Jubu Smith

(Courtesy of Little Village)

Jubu Smith's journey in the music industry is a testament to his exceptional talent and versatility as a guitarist. At the age of 19, Jubu embarked on a remarkable decade-long tenure as the guitarist for Tony Toni Toné, laying down infectious rhythms and captivating audiences with his soulful melodies. Following this, he embarked on a prestigious world tour with Whitney Houston, further cementing his reputation as a sought-after musician.

For the past 15 years, Jubu has been a constant presence on the international music circuit, mesmerizing audiences with his performances alongside Frankie Beverly & Maze. His contributions extend beyond the stage, as he has lent his talents to recording sessions with renowned artists such as Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, George Duke, and George Benson.

In addition to his collaborative work, Jubu has also pursued solo endeavors, emerging as a solo artist and fronting his soul-blues bands, including Legally Blynd & The Jubu Smith Experience. These projects showcase his musical depth and feature a lineup of exceptional musicians, including his brother Eric “Pik Funk” Smith and Carl Wheeler.

In 2024, under the Little Village, Jubu embarked on a new musical venture, teaming up with GRAMMY-award winner drummer Calvin Napper (notably MAZE with Frankie Beverly, Stephanie Mills, Donnie McClurkin) and three-time GRAMMY nominated guitarist/producer Charlie Hunter to create an authoritative groove guitar album titled "Jubu." This collaborative effort highlights their mastery of the guitar and their innovative approach to groove-based music, further solidifying Jubu's status as a true luminary.