James Emmanuel

Nigerian-born and Edinburgh-based, James Emmanuel makes music rooted in raw honesty, resilience and love. Raised as the son of a preacher, he first found his voice in gospel choirs, a grounding that shaped his soulful sound from the beginning. Drawing inspiration from legends like Marvin Gaye and Bobby "Blue" Bland, James brings a timeless quality to stories that feel deeply personal and human.

After losing his father, James moved from Nigeria to India, South Africa and London in search of belonging, before arriving in Edinburgh. He took the first job he could find, cleaning toilets and collecting glasses in a sports bar, singing on shift to pass the time. That led to karaoke nights, open mic gigs and eventually years of weekend residencies at the city’s beloved Jazz Bar club night, where his powerful voice and magnetic presence made him a favourite on the scene.

His songs reflect real life and lived experience. They carry the weight of unspoken words, the ache of disappointment, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. Whether he's speaking to the responsibility of fatherhood or offering comfort to someone feeling lost, James writes with a tenderness and truth that resonates. At the heart of it all is deep gratitude for the journey, the struggles, and the city that made space for him to become who he is. James Emmanuel is inviting us in, track by track, heart first.

Links: Instagram - @jamesemmanuelofficial TikTok - @jamesemmanuelofficial