Drummer Obi Jenne is internationally acclaimed for his distinctive stage presence, outstanding technical command and his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles.

His concert tours have taken him to major venues on all continents, including Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, KKL Luzern, Teatro Romano di Verona, NCPA Mumbai, as well as the leading concert halls throughout Germany. He has also appeared at international festivals such as Jazz Open Stuttgart. Obi Jenne has contributed to nearly 100 album recordings and is a recipient of both the International Classical Music Award and the German Record Critics’ Award.

He is the leader of the Stuttgart Jazz Orchestra, the Porsche Big Band, Band in the Bix and the cult band Soul Diamonds. His collaborations include performances with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Helen Schneider, Lang Lang, Art Farmer, Jimmy Woode, Benny Golson, Ack van Rooyen, Chuck Berry, Imaani Saleen, The Pointer Sisters, Les McCann, Cécile Verny, Klaus Graf, Olaf Polziehn, David Gazarov, Bill Ramsey, Kenny Wheeler, Katie Melua, Till Brönner, Chaka Khan, as well as Roby and Tony Lakatos. Obi Jenne is also the drummer of the ensemble German Jazz Masters, alongside Klaus Doldinger, Wolfgang Dauner, Manfred Schoof and Wolfgang Schmid.

Born in Heidelberg and inspired by jazz and classical music from an early age, Obi Jenne began studying classical percussion at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen at the age of 17. His early professional engagements included productions with nearly all German radio symphony orchestras, as well as collaborations with Ensemble Modernand German Brass. He has served as a percussionist with the Orchester des Nationaltheaters Mannheim and as an academy fellow with the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Obi Jenne’s early interest in jazz and groove music can be traced back to a masterclass with the legendary drummer Elvin Jones, which he attended at the age of twelve. This formative experience has influenced him ever since, and he regards the interaction between musicians within an ensemble as the highest form of musical fulfilment.