The Central Drive Collective
Welcome to the Central Drive Collective, where passion meets proficiency in the realm of Black American music, particularly jazz. Based in The Bahamas, our ensemble of professionally trained musicians is dedicated to not only delivering unparalleled performances but also to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of jazz culture throughout the islands. Our mission is clear: to craft and share exceptional music for both local and global audiences while championing jazz awareness through dynamic performances and enlightening masterclasses.
At the heart of our ethos is a commitment to musical exploration without boundaries. While our foundation lies in jazz fusion—a captivating blend of jazz with various musical genres—we refuse to confine ourselves to any single label. Instead, we embrace the rich traditions of jazz, acknowledging its roots in the swing era, while fearlessly venturing into new sonic territories. Join us on a journey where creativity knows no limits and where the spirit of jazz thrives in every note we play.
Meet the Band
Krystoph Deveaux
CEO & Bassit
“A visionary and a future trailblazer for the art of black music,” is a fitting sentence to describe the electric bassist, Krystoph Deveaux. All the way from the beautiful sunny islands of the Bahamas to the frozen tundra that is Canada, is the move that he made to obtain his second bachelor’s degree (With the first being a bachelor’s degree in Music Education (K-12) from the University of the Bahamas) at McGill University, he is currently based both in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. You may ask why does he see himself as a trailblazer for black music? Well quite simply because that’s what he specializes in. From traditional jazz to Caribbean music to even traditional African-American music, Krystoph has spent time perfecting his craft to create another lasting impression with his music on the world.
Drummer
Sean Cunningham
Sean Cunningham is a talented musician hailing from the beautiful islands of the Bahamas. His passion for music ignited at a young age and has been a driving force throughout his life. At the age of 8, Sean joined The Bahamas National Youth Orchestra, marking the beginning of his musical journey.
Sean's versatility as a musician is truly remarkable. He is a jack of all trades, proficiently playing multiple instruments and showcasing his musical range.
Trumpeter
Mansa Campbell
Some of Mansa’s many achievements include:
Recieving The Bahamas National Youth Award Performances at The Joshua Tree Music Festival in Los Angeles as well as The Airmen of Note Thee premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force as well as performing at the Jazz Education Network in Houston, Texas.
Additionally, Mansa has recorded with legendary recording engineer Mr. Eric T.Schabacker who has worked with Michael Jackson, James Brown and Gladys Knight.
Vocalist
Tysh Cunningham
Tysh brings a unique blend of her gospel roots, coupled with the influences of the diverse music scene in Nassau. Her versatility allows her to effortlessly navigate through various genres, infusing her performances with a touch of R&B, jazz, and pop, creating an unforgettable musical experience that resonates with listeners of all ages.