Black Violin

Photo Credit: Colin Brennan. Photo Courtesy of Gold Mountain Entertainment (used with permission)

American Violin and Viola Duet, Singers, and Composers • Group formed in 2004 • Classical and Hip Hop Fusion

Fast Facts

• Duet consists of Wilmer Baptiste (“Wil B.”) on viola and Kevin Sylvester (“Kev Marcus”) on violin
• Wil B. immigrated to the United States from Jamaica at age 11
• Met in the orchestra at a performing arts high school in Fort Lauderdale Florida
• Classically trained musicians that infuse hip hop elements into classical music and their own compositions
• They were inspired by swing violinist, “Stuff Smith,” and later named their group after one of his albums, “Black Violin.”
• They use their music to openly challenge stereotypes of classical musicians and classical music
• Grammy nominated for “Best American Performance” in 2023 for their playing on the “The Message”
• Grammy nominated for their “Take the Stairs” album
• They are advocates for educational outreach and founded the Black Violin Foundation Inc; An organization that works to provide access to quality music programs  to students and focuses on fostering musical creativity
• Their music conveys messages of hope, optimism, perseverance and unity through music making