From an Army household in Washington, D.C. to New York’s creative community, Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on the people who shaped her life, and the love that expanded her world.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Meshell Ndegeocello for a conversation about family, music, identity, mentorship, and belonging.

Meshell reflects on growing up in a musical household, where her father played tenor saxophone in the U.S. Army Band. She shares memories of learning bass alongside her older brother, playing her first professional gigs as a teenager with her father’s band, and discovering the discipline that would shape her career.

The conversation follows her journey from Washington, D.C. to New York, where mentors, collaborators, and close friends introduced her to new music, new ideas, and entirely new ways of thinking. She reflects on how love, community, and curiosity transformed both her creative life and her understanding of herself.

Guest: Meshell Ndegeocello
Host: Nabil Ayers
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Produced by Palm Tree Island

Recorded Live at Public Records, Brookyn.

From an Army household in Washington, D.C. to New York&rsquo;s creative community, Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on the people who shaped her life, and the love that expanded her world.
In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Meshell Ndegeocello for a conversation about family, music, identity, mentorship, and belonging.
Meshell reflects on growing up in a musical household, where her father played tenor saxophone in the U.S. Army Band. She shares memories of learning bass alongside her older brother, playing her first professional gigs as a teenager with her father&rsquo;s band, and discovering the discipline that would shape her career.
The conversation follows her journey from Washington, D.C. to New York, where mentors, collaborators, and close friends introduced her to new music, new ideas, and entirely new ways of thinking. She reflects on how love, community, and curiosity transformed both her creative life and her understanding of herself.
Guest: Meshell Ndegeocello Host: Nabil Ayers Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Produced by Palm Tree Island
Recorded Live at Public Records, Brookyn.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.

In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.

Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?

Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.

The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Identified with Nabil Ayers

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.