In 2026 Mekala was selected by the Los Angeles Jazz Society Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note program to compose a new piece which will be premiered at this concert.

Born in ’95, Mekala Session is a multi-hyphenate artist from Los Angeles. At age 3, his first drum lessons were with Billy Higgins at the World Stage in Leimert Park. Following his father’s path (Michael Session- saxophonist), he joined the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra at age 13 and began leading the band in his early 20s. 
His career includes recording (Billy Woods, Moor Mother, HUMAN ERROR CLUB, Petter Eldh), touring (Pink Siifu, Benjamin Booker), booking and organizing events (Del Monte Speakeasy, Ace Hotel Palm Springs), and managing independent record labels (Preference Records, The Village).
Driven by exploration and community, Mekala has built his musical identity around improvising, genre mixing, and relentless pursuit of fun. In addition to drums, he is currently developing his chops on vibraphone, bamboo flute, composition and production.

“To me, a big part of jazz is pushing the boundaries of your abilities.”

— Mekala Session

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