Xharlie Black

Xharlie Black

ProducerVocal ArrangerMusic Director

From the mind of Eddie Cole, Xharlie Black has stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight. For four years and more than 2,000 shows Xharlie Black served as Music Director, Vocal Arranger, Host, and Lead Singer of Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple in Las Vegas. Before that, and since, Xharlie Black has been the name on production credits, arrangements, and music direction for artists and productions across hip-hop, R&B, pop, theater, film, TV, and commercials.

On the Strip · Cirque du Soleil

Mad Apple

Joining the creative team before the show even had a name, he selected the songs that carried the show's New York identity, arranged every vocal for its five singers, directed its five-piece band, and produced the transitions. Then came the part nobody had planned for: he grew into hosting the show and singing lead in it, night after night, for four years at New York-New York.

  • Music direction
    Song selection, five-piece band, transitions
  • Vocal arranging
    Every vocal for five singers
  • Host & lead singer
    The voice of the show
  • Final bow
    September 5, 2026 · New York-New York, Las Vegas
2,000+Shows1.2MTickets4Years on the Strip

"Given voice by singing music director Xharlie Black, Mad Apple makes an indelible floor-to-ceiling impression on all witnesses."

Las Vegas Magazine, 2024
Before the Strip

The Illusionists

Co-music director and composer for the touring magic spectacular. It opened at the Sydney Opera House, played the West End, Dubai, and every major city in Australia and New Zealand, crossed North America, appeared twice on America's Got Talent, and landed on Broadway two years running.

  • Europe & Middle East
    West End · Dubai
  • Australia & New Zealand
    Sydney Opera House and every major city
  • North America
    US tour
  • Broadway
    Marquis Theatre 2014 · Neil Simon Theatre 2015
2Broadway runs4Continents2xAmerica's Got Talent

"This band is one of those rare entities that can convince Brisbane theatre audiences to rise to their feet."

AussieTheatre.com, QPAC Brisbane
Also on the record
BMGWriter and producer

Signed writer and producer for film, television, and commercial sync; publishing administered by BMG Rights Management.

NasSince 2011

Over the past fifteen years, a regular on stage with Nas as drummer, vocalist, and co-musical director, from clubs to festival main stages with DJ Green Lantern. Producer, "Jarreau of Rap (Skatt Attack)" on The Lost Tapes 2.

Mad AppleXharlie Black on stage at Mad Apple
Mad AppleXharlie Black singing with a Mad Apple vocalist
DrumsEddie Cole on drums

Also on the résumé   Mapei (international tour) · Alina Baraz and Galimatias (music director) · Kenny Lattimore · Robert Glasper · Lauryn Hill · Bruce Briggz · lead role "The Nazarene" in the audio drama When He Looked At Me (2026)

Services

Work with Xharlie Black

Production and songwritingRecords, features, toplines, vocal production, and sync.
Vocal arranging and directionLead and ensemble arrangements for studio and stage.
Music direction and consultingSong selection, show design, band leadership, and transitions for residencies, tours, and theatrical productions.
Session drums and vocalsIn the room or remote.
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Xharlie Black is the production identity of Eddie Cole. His own releases are on the Music page; his artist development work is on About.