Float Like a Butterfly: Muhammad Ali, presented by World Heart Beat and curated by Ava Joseph and Ayo Vincent, is a musical tribute to Ali’s legacy of courage, identity and social justice, featuring jazz, soul and Civil Rights-era classics celebrating his enduring influence beyond the boxing ring.

Muhammad Ali was more than a sporting legend. He was a global voice for justice, dignity, and peace, whose words, presence, and convictions resonated far beyond the boxing ring. His poetic declarations, fearless activism, and unwavering sense of identity helped define the cultural and political imagination of his era.

This concert will feature music rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and the African American jazz tradition, reflecting both the world that shaped Ali and the world he helped to change. The programme includes music associated with or emblematic of the era and its spirit, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Sam Cooke, and James Brown.

At its heart is the idea of the ‘inner and outer champion’, Ali as both a physical force and spiritual figure; a man whose strength in the ring was matched by his conviction outside it.

From Louisville to global icon, the evening traces a journey through struggle, identity, and transformation. It is a celebration of voice, courage, and the enduring search for unity.

The programme is curated by Ava Joseph and Ayo Vincent, both alumni and Heart Beat mentors and musicians.

Ava Joseph is celebrated for her genre-blending artistry and distinctive voice, weaving together jazz, soul, R&B, and conscious lyricism.

Ayo Vincent a pianist, arranger, and composer and leads World Heart Beat’s young musician ensembles. Rooted in jazz, his work is defined by expressive improvisation, nuanced interpretation, and a deep commitment to musical storytelling.