Abena Koomson-Davis

performer, educator
and wordsmith

New York, NY

Abena Koomson-Davis is a performer, educator and wordsmith. Abena originated the role of Fela’s mother in the Off Broadway musical FELA! and reprised her role in the Broadway production which earned 3 Tony awards. She has performed alongside Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Angelique Kidjo and many other luminaries.  Abena can be heard on Natalie Merchant’s most recent album ‘Keep Your Courage'  where she is featured on two duets, “Come on Aphrodite” and “Big Girls.”

For over 15 years, Abena has been the lead vocalist of the funk rock band Van Davis. She is the musical director for the Resistance Revival Chorus, and her song “Joy in Resistance” is featured on their debut album, entitled “This Joy.”

Abena’s debut jazz album on WJ3 Records, entitled “Where is Love” features time-honored standards and original compositions co-written with her husband, acclaimed jazz trombonist Steve Davis.

She is a member and featured collaborator of Scapegoat Garden, a  New England based creative engine whose most recent project, Liturgy | Order | Bridge conceived by Deborah Goffe, was the recipient of the Creative Capital grant. 

Abena currently serves as Ethics Chair of the middle school division at Ethical Culture Fieldston School, where she teaches ethics and social justice to middle & upper school students. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts, and also of Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Masters in Education Leadership. 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Abena has performed alongside Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon,
Angelique Kidjo and many other luminaries. 

PRESS

HOT HOUSE JAZZ MAGAZINE | Spotlight | 2024

ROBERT BANNON | Abena Koomson-Davis Talks Jazz, "Fela!" & What It Means To Be Polyphonic on "The Roundtable" | 2024

NATIONAL SAWDUST | Fire This Time: Lynne Procope with Abena Koomson-Davis, Elana Bell, and Dara Lazar | 2022

PITCHFORK | Meet the Resistance Revival Chorus, Where You Can Sing Out Your Political Frustrations | 2020

NPR WORLD CAFE WORDS AND MUSIC PODCAST | Hear The Inspirational Protest Songs Of The Resistance Revival Chorus | 2020

LINGUA FRANCA | Abena Koomson Davis | 2018

MAIL & GUARDIAN | Abena Koomson: Lif is Polyrythmic | 2015

NEW YORK TIMES | Kronos at 40 begins at Lincoln Center | 2013

NEW YORK TIMES | Fela’s Women | 2008

NEW YORK TIMES | Theater Review | 'Fela!' | 2008

 SAMPLE RECORDINGS

STREAMING AND SOCIAL

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