The four dynamic flutists: NOAMZ, B~Free, Aaron Shaw and Jon'Ta Douglas first came together in December 2025 for a one-time content session in a parking garage. What started as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into something much bigger as the group recognized both the beauty of their collective sound and the need for greater representation within the flute community.

Since then, their parking garage sessions have gone viral twice, with their versions of the Boondocks closing theme and Tears for Fears ‘Everybody Wants To The Rule The World’ clocking up nearly 2 millions views on Instagram. They have also gained the attention of Lizzo, with whom the Brigade have since collaborated, performing an original Lizzo flute composition as a five-piece on the Los Angeles stop of her Barnes & Noble book tour.

United by shared experiences of feeling unseen or unwelcome in traditional flute spaces, Black Flute Brigade set out to create the community they had long been missing. Through reimagined interpretations of contemporary music, the collective is expanding perceptions of the flute while creating a sound that is distinctly their own.

Each member brings a unique musical element to the ensemble: NOAMZ's fiery energy and explosive creativity, B~Free's soulful, vocal-inspired phrasing, Aaron's technical precision and virtuosity, and Jon'Ta’s effortless cool and laid-back groove. Together, these contrasting voices create a dynamic musical experience rooted in individuality, collaboration, and joy. More than a flute ensemble, Black Flute Brigade is a movement—reclaiming space, redefining expectations, and creating the representation they once searched for.

“When Aaron first brought 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒐 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 to the group, we all immediately connected with the beauty of the song. B~Free arranged it for our four flutes, and what followed was a truly organic musical collaboration that has since resonated with people from all walks of life. The overwhelming love & support we’ve received for this interpretation reminds us of music’s ability to transcend boundaries, bring people together & create meaningful connections. It’s a beautiful reflection of what Black Flute Brigade is all about.” -BFB

Performed by NOAMZ, B~Free, Aaron Shaw and Jon Ta Douglas
Mixing and Final Audio Treatment by Matthewdavid
Original track by Tears for Fears
Photo by Isaiah Thomas