Vocalist, bassist, songwriter, and Resident Artistic Director Meshell Ndegeocello brings her passion to a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s 1970 protest anthem “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go.”
About this clip:

Vocalist, bassist, songwriter, and Resident Artistic Director Meshell Ndegeocello brings her passion to a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s 1970 protest anthem “(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below We’re All Going to Go” during her performance of “The People’s Playlist” on May 1, 2026, part of the SFJAZZ 2025-26 Season and broadcast on Fridays Live.

About this concert:
Meshell Ndegeocello presents "The People's Playlist," a program devoted to music that speaks to the tradition of protest during times of unrest and upheaval in America. The concerts will also include special guest vocalist of Thee Sacred Souls, Josh Lane.
GRAMMY-winning bassist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello cut her teeth on Washington D.C.’s explosive go-go circuit in the 1980s and was one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s Maverick Records label, which released her landmark neo soul album Plantation Lullabies in 1993.
Ndegeocello built a career as an uncompromising artist whose deliriously funky and soulful work is a powerful commentary on race, gender issues, and LGBTQ+ rights.
She’s released 13 albums as a leader and has amassed a distinguished list of collaborators including Jason Moran, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, John Mellencamp, Madonna, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
Returning following her sold-out nights devoted to No More Water/The Fire Next Time: The Gospel of James Baldwin, a theatrical multimedia performance inspired by the iconic essayist, novelist, and activist, she brings the same artistic depth and inspiration to her week as Resident Artistic Director.
PERSONNEL:
Meshell Ndegeocello: bass, vocals
Chris Bruce: guitar
Chanelle Ignant: guitar
Jake Sherman: keyboards
Abe Rounds: drums
Justin Hicks: vocals, percussion
Josh Lane: vocals