Trinidad and Tobago-born trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles is set to embark on a 20-city international tour spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, with several performances marking his first appearances in new countries.

The tour follows the recent release of his latest album Gullah Roots and comes after the success of his Creole Orchestraproject.

Over the past two decades, Charles has built a reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced 11 recordings and collaborated with artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés. He has also toured internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective.

The tour will introduce Charles’ Caribbean-influenced jazz to audiences in several countries where he has not previously performed, including India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia and Tunisia.

India debut

Charles will make his debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad on April 2 and April 3, followed by shows in Bangalore on April 4 and April 5.

Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present music from across his catalogue, combining jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.

“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty.

“Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”

Colombia and Argentina performances

Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia on April 30 at El Club de Jazz as part of International Jazz Day celebrations.

“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz.

“He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”

Charles is also scheduled to perform in Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 26 at Teatro San Martín with a tribute to jazz musician Miles Davis marking the centennial of his birth.

“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones.

Other tour highlights

In July, Charles will make his first appearance in Lake Tahoe while serving as a trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. He is also the Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a programme that trains emerging musicians in Caribbean musical traditions.

The tour will also include a performance at the Tabarka Jazz Festival in Tunisia, where Charles will perform with his Creole Quartet.

In Denmark, Charles will appear as a featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.

“Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection,” said producer Rasmus Holm.

“We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”

Special performance in North Carolina

Charles will also perform at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, presenting his multimedia project Earth Tones, which combines music, film and storytelling to examine climate change.

Return to Lincoln Center

In June, Charles will return to Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, where he will present Folklore Vol. 2 in the Appel Room. The performance will feature the world premiere of a new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore, along with new arrangements from his 2009 album.

The appearance forms part of the venue’s Mother Africa season.