5 Things to Know About Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi Sextet

The sextet was named Mwandishi, a Swahili word meaning “composer.” Herbie Hancock led this experimental jazz group in the early 1970s.

Every member adopted a Swahili name. Eddie Henderson became “Mganga,” Bennie Maupin became “Mwile,” Julian Priester became “Pepo Mtoto,” Buster Williams became “Mchezaji,” and Billy Hart became “Jabali.”

The lineup featured Eddie Henderson on trumpet. He was a key voice in the group’s avant-garde sound.

Bennie Maupin played bass clarinet and alto flute. His woodwind work added a dark, textural layer to the music.

Julian Priester played trombone, Buster Williams played bass, and Billy Hart played drums. This rhythm section anchored the sextet’s complex, free-form compositions.