Mekhi Boone

At just 19 years old, Mekhi Boone is already making noise on the Philadelphia jazz scene with a sound that’s both aggressive and intentional. Born in Wilmington, Delaware and now based in Philly as a student at Temple University, Mekhi grew up surrounded by music — his father, Mike Boone, is a professional jazz bassist, and his mother, Cand’ice Hinmon-Boone, is a church choir director and former background vocalist. His journey started before he was even born, with family legend saying he kicked in rhythm to his uncle’s drumming while still in the womb.

Though he never took a formal lesson until college, Mekhi developed his chops in church and on the bandstands of Philly’s jazz clubs from the age of four, following his dad from gig to gig. He draws inspiration from heavyweights like Elvin Jones, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Justin Faulkner, Ralph Peterson, and John Coltrane, aiming to channel their intensity while crafting a sound of his own.

Despite his calm presence behind the kit, Mekhi plays to bring joy — to himself, to his bandmates, and to every audience he meets. His goal is simple yet profound: to spend his life touring with artists who push him to grow, while staying grounded in the music that saved, shaped, and continues to define his life.

A proud member of The New Philly Sound 2025, Mekhi says Philly isn’t just where he lives — it’s how he plays. For him, The Heart of Jazz is more than a program. It’s family.

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