Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London today, widely regarded as a pianist and composer of rare maturity and vision. A graduate of the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, Tomorrow’s Warriors, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (class of 2023), Sultan was mentored by some of the UK’s most respected jazz figures including Julian Joseph, Gary Crosby, Simon Purcell and Robert Mitchell.

Emerging onto the scene in 2020, Sultan quickly distinguished himself with a distinctive artistic voice. Performing his own music alongside longtime collaborators Jacob Gryn (bass) and Joel Waters (drums), he made early waves at iconic London venues such as Jazz re:freshed, The Jazz Café, The Vortex, and the EFG London Jazz Festival. The Telegraph described him as “an incipient master at work,” praising how “a simple four-note lick [grew] into something significant” during his festival set.

His debut album Faithful One (Whirlwind Recordings, 2023) was met with critical acclaim and marked him out as one of the leading lights of the new generation. The sold-out launch at The Jazz Café became a landmark celebration of London’s young jazz talent, and the album has since taken Sultan and his trio onto international stages. Later that year he was awarded the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Newcomer, further cementing his reputation as one of the most compelling new voices in British jazz.

The momentum carried into 2024, which proved to be a breakthrough year. Sultan was hand-picked to perform two showcase slots at SXSW in Texas for Jazz re:freshed’s ‘Outernational’ programme, and soon after appeared at jazzahead! in Germany. Back home he gave a sold-out performance at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, headlined at Brick Lane Jazz Festival, and was featured in a live interview and performance on BBC Radio 3. Jazzwise praised Faithful One for “exuding calm and warmth, just like the man himself.”

Summer 2024 saw Sultan’s trio embark on their first dedicated European tour, which became a highlight of his career to date. Across June, they appeared at Jazz Jantar in Poland, Jamboree in Barcelona, Duc des Lombards in Paris, and completed a two-night residency at the renowned Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel. The Irish Times hailed his international performances for their “youthful vitality combined with the poise of a much more seasoned artist.”

2025 has already marked another major step forward. On 28 March he released his second album El Roi on Edition Records, launching with a sold-out concert at the Southbank Centre. The Financial Times praised the album’s “modal voicings, syncopated lines and gospel influences” which “spice the modern jazz mainstream with originality and flair,” while All About Jazz noted its “emotional depth, whether in trio or quintet form.” A new European tour will follow, with appearances at leading clubs and festivals including Duc des Lombards (Paris), Unterfahrt (Munich), and Jassmine (Warsaw).

Sultan was also nominated for a Jazz FM Award in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category, a recognition of both his rapid rise and his ability to tell deeply moving stories through his music. With critical acclaim, major festivals, and international touring now a regular part of his journey, Sultan Stevenson continues to establish himself as one of the UK’s most exciting and important young jazz artists.

In October 2025 Sultan is set to play his most prestigious headline concert ever at The Kings Place in London, their main concert hall. This marks a turning point in the shining career of the pianist, his work fits notable jazz clubs, outdoor festivals and concert halls alike in all parts of the globe.