BLACK ARTISTS ROCK SEASON 3
Black Artists Rock 2026 brings together four singular voices for an evening celebrating Black artistry, songwriting, musicianship, and the genre-defying spirit of Austin’s music community. Featuring ScottStrickland, Taméca Jones, Chief Cleopatra, and Pascal Kerong’A, the 2026 gathering showcases artists whose work moves freely between soul, rock, folk, gospel, funk, pop, and sounds shaped by experiences far beyond any single genre
Founded in 2024, Scott Strickland created and hosts Black Artists Rock TO BRING AWARENESS critical gapS in todayS music scene — a need for intentional representation, visibility, and equity for Black musicians of all genres. Our mission is to elevate and celebrate Black artistry through curated performances, cultural storytelling, and meaningful partnerships. Our vision is a future where Black artists are recognized, supported, and heard — in Austin, across Texas, and around North America.
MEET THE ARTISTS
tamÉca jones
Taméca Jones, affectionately known as The Empress of Austin Soul, has been a defining voice in Austin’s music scene for more than two decades. Since emerging in 2005, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer has captivated audiences across the country, selling out countless venues and earning coveted performances at Austin City Limits and SXSW. Over the course of her career, she has shared stages with Grammy Award winners Gary Clark Jr. and Leon Bridges, as well as Shakey Graves, The Black Pumas, and numerous other acclaimed artists.
Taméca’s music has reached audiences well beyond the live stage. Her single “Sandman” was featured in Hulu’s acclaimed series Black Cake and has surpassed 500,000 streams. Her music has also been featured in Walker, Texas Ranger, national commercials, and feature films, establishing her as a versatile songwriter whose work resonates across music, television, and film.
In 2024, Taméca released her debut album, Plants and Pills, a deeply personal body of work written and produced by Taméca and co-produced by her longtime collaborator, Grammy Award winner Jonathan Deas. The album earned Taméca nominations for Best Album and Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Austin Music Awards.
Her songwriting has become one of the defining pillars of her career. Taméca made history as the first woman to win Songwriter of the Year at the Austin Music Awards, cementing her place not only as one of Austin’s most distinctive vocalists, but as a formidable songwriter and artist in her own right.
With a career built on soul, authenticity, and an unmistakable voice, Taméca Jones continues to expand the boundaries of what it means to be an Austin soul artist.
Chief cleopatra
Chief Cleopatra (Jalesa Jessie) is an Austin-based Soul Rock singer and songwriter known for her "non-genre-denominational" sound that blends rock, soul, gospel, and funk. Originally from Corsicana, Texas, she began her musical path as a drummer in her school’s marching band before moving to Austin in 2017 to pursue a career as a frontwoman.
She gained significant attention following her 2019 debut EP, Lesa x Lenny Vol.1, and was named KUTX Artist of the Month in February 2022. Her 2022 EP, Luna, was produced by Walker Lukens and released via Park The Van Records, earning comparisons to artists like Santigold and Thundercat.
A six-time official SXSW artist, she has opened for notable acts including The Wailers, Girl Talk, and Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas. Cleo is slated for new music by the end of 2026.
pascal kerongÁ
Pascal Kerong’A is a Congolese-born, Austin-based singer-songwriter and performer whose work is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and human connection. Blending his African roots with soul, rock, and contemporary influences, Pascal creates music that invites people to feel deeply, move freely, and embrace who they are.
His journey has taken him from performing at a college talent show and busking on the streets of Austin to touring across the United States with acclaimed singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, appearing on stages including Chicago’s Thalia Hall, Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live, and Atlanta’s Masquerade. He is also featured on Callahan’s live album
Resuscitate!.
Whether through music, fashion, or storytelling, Pascal approaches his artistry with one guiding philosophy: “I Dream In Color.” His work is an invitation to live boldly, dream beyond limitations, and remain unapologetically yourself.