Essiet Okon Essiet is an American jazz double bassist born in Omaha, Nebraska. Essiet's parents were Nigerian immigrants to the United States. He studied violin as a child then learned both bass guitar and upright bass in high school in Portland, Oregon. Also as a child and into his teens, his family moved often. His father worked for the U.S. as well as the Nigerian government and his job took the family to many places including Europe, Africa and various cities in the U.S. Having traveled widely as a youngster with his family, he had an easy time adjusting to life on the road when he turned professional. His exposure to many cultures, languages and religions fostered his world view of strength through diversity. "Some musicians are purist but I like to mix styles. I like many different types of cultures.

He played briefly in Los Angeles then worked in Europe during the 1980's with fellow American jazz musician Famoudou Don Moye. In 1983 he moved to New York City playing with Abdullah Ibrahim and eventually worked with the legendary drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers for 2 years. Over the years, he has performed and toured with jazz icons Johnny Griffin, James Moody, Sam Rivers, Jackie McLean, Abby Lincoln, Jimmy Cobb, Eddie Henderson, Benny Maupin, Victor Lewis, Billy Hart, George Adams, Pat Martino, Billy Cobham, Kenny Barron, Donald Brown, Kurt Elling, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Kenny Kirkland, Mulgrew Miller, Freddie Hubbard, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kevin Mahogany, Cedar Walton, George Cables and Bobby Watson to name a few.

Currently, he resides both in San Jose, California and NYC and is the leader of the group called "IBO"named after a Nigerian tribe. It is a Nigerian Jazz Project which mixes jazz harmonies with West African rhythms.