Kevin Haynes is an accomplished alto saxophonist, percussionist, composer, and African folklore vocalist, often referred to as the African Charlie Parker due to the distinctive vintage tone he produces on the horn.

Originating from the Sovereign State of Benin in West Africa and having spent the majority of his life in West London, Kevin launched his musical career during the 1980s and 1990s. He primarily performed as a percussionist with esteemed ensembles such as the Jazz Warriors Big Band, the Steve Williamson Band, the Phil Bent Band, the renowned Afro-American jazz drummer Clifford Jarvis’ Prophets of Jazz, The Courtney Pine Band, and The Dick Heckstall-Smith Band.

Collaborating with such distinguished musicians profoundly influenced Kevin’s musical vision and methodology, prompting him to develop his own distinctive style. He increasingly focused on the alto saxophone while deepening his study of African folklore music and drumming traditions. His artistic journey included travels to the United States, Africa, and Cuba. Upon returning, Kevin entered the studio to record his debut album with the French label Native Music, who had been inspired to sign him after witnessing a performance by Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua at the London Jazz Cafe.

In 1997, Kevin released his debut album, Tomorrow’s Path, featuring guest artist Clifford Jarvis, the young pianist Robert Michelle, guest pianist Alex Wilson, Larry Bartley on double bass, Nico Gomez on bass, and percussionists Lenny Lawrence and Trevor Kentish.

In 2002, Kevin recorded Ori Ire under his own label, Egbe Oduniyi Productions. The album featured Kevin Haynes on saxophone, bata drums, and vocals; narration by Niles Halistones; Roland Thomas on bata drums and vocals; Bill Bland on bata drums and vocals; Donald Gamble on bata drums and vocals; Benet McLean on piano; Neville Malcolm on double bass; and David Giovannini on drums and vocals.

Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua toured extensively across the UK, performing at prominent venues including London’s Jazz Cafe, 606 Jazz Club, Rich Mix, Portobello Jazz Festival, and various local jazz events. In 2008, the group recorded their third album, Ajo Se Po, also released on Egbe Oduniyi Productions. The lineup included Kevin Haynes on saxophone, bata drums, and vocals; Jonathan Igibonya on piano; Daibel Cissokho on kora and vocals; Neville Malcolm on bass; Shane Forbes on drums; Lanre Okemuyiwa providing narration; with backing vocals by Ilam Jalal and Paula Allen.

In 2011, Kevin was invited by the esteemed Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdés to perform at the Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba. He collaborated with a talented young ensemble of Cuban jazz musicians to reinterpret the music of Grupo Elegua. The performance received widespread acclaim from both the Cuban audience and the jazz community, further solidifying Kevin’s reputation as the African Charlie Parker for his evocative horn sound.

Since 2014, Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua has maintained a consistent presence at major events such as the London Jazz Festival, Rich Mix, Spain’s Salamanca Jazz Festival, Havana Jazz Festival, Portobello Jazz Festival, Brighton Dome Jazz Re:freshed, Mau Mau Bar Jazz Nights, 606 Club London, and Ronnie Scott’s, where they performed alongside the Moses Boyd Band in support of Boyd’s album Displaced Diaspora. The group has also appeared at London’s Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room and performed in Dakar, Senegal, featuring guest artist Jabel Cissokho. In 2022, Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua returned to Ronnie Scott’s for a sold-out show, followed by a performance at Acklam Village on West London’s Portobello Road with special guest British legend Paul Weller.

In 2023, Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua released the EP Egbe Alaragbo and Kevin has continued to collaborate with other artists, including performing with Colombia’s Newen Afrobeat at London’s Jazz Café.