Zora

The Choreographer Behind Lizzo and Janelle Monáe’s Performances: Jemel McWilliams speaks on his journey

Jemel McWilliams is the live-show artistic director responsible for some of your favorite performances, including Janelle Monáe’s “You Make Me Feel” at the 2019 Grammy’s and Lizzo’s “Juice” at the 2019 GLAAD Awards. An advocate for body positivity, McWilliams is known for his signature free-flowing movements and aims to create movements that help artists express themselves through visual storytelling.

To celebrate Black Music Month, ZORA spoke with the extraordinary dancer to learn the story of his career and what it’s like to work over the past decade with iconic Black female artists, including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Lizzo, and Janelle Monáe.