British Black Women in Jazz

Celebrating the impact of some of today's female pioneers of Jazz

Camilla George (2022)Black Lives in Music

Jazz is synonymous with the legacy and undisputed rich contribution of music creators from theAfrican diaspora. The art form is rich with the narrative of struggle, life, love and tragedy experiencedby the exponents of the art form.

Mica Paris by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

Historically, Black women have struggled to be acknowledged for their priceless contribution to the music. More recently, and not before time, acknowledgement more generally has come for the female exponents of the art form.

Carroll Thompson by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

More specifically, British Black women have taken their rightful place as some of the biggest names in jazz today. They are acclaimed artists and role models, presenting inspiration for a new generation of musical talent. Join us here to celebrate 5 British Black Women in Jazz.

Zara McFarlane by Roger ThomasBlack Lives in Music

Zara McFarlane

Zara is much in demand as an international vocalist, awards include a MOBO for best Jazz act.  Her live performances and recorded albums have been received with considerable acclaim.  Look out for Zara, her currency continues to grow in the jazz world.

Zara McFarlane by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

Zara McFarlane by Roger ThomasBlack Lives in Music

Jas Kayser by Tatiana GorilovskyBlack Lives in Music

Jas Kayser

The drum powerhouse that is Jas Kayser can be found driving some of the finest rhythm sections around.  She is a recorded artist in her own right and winner of several high-profile industry awards including Jazz FM Breakthrough Act 2021

Jas Kayser by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

Nubya Garcia by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

Nubya Garcia

Nubya Garcia is an English Jazz musician, Saxophonist, composer and bandleader.  She’s flying the flag for Britain as one of the most popular and in-demand jazz musicians today.  Nubya, alongside a number of her British jazz contemporaries has been attributed with igniting the fuse under the resurgence of jazz-influenced sounds in the United Kingdom.  She has worked and collaborated with a wide variety of musicians and has won a host of awards  headlining sold out shows around the world.

Nubya Garcia by Tatiana GorilovksyBlack Lives in Music

Elaine Delmar by Emile HolbaBlack Lives in Music

Elaine Delmar

Elaine Delmar’s long and celebrated career as a Jazz singer has seen her tour the world working alongside a who’s who in Jazz. 

As a British Jazz giant with a career spanning decades we salute her energy and boundless enthusiasm, not to mention her awesome talent.

Chelsea Carmichael by Emile HolbaBlack Lives in Music

Chelsea Carmichael

The name of saxophonist, composer and arranger Chelsea Carmichael is fast becoming known on the European Jazz scene. As part of SEED ensemble, she has enjoyed a Mercury nomination – on the note of collaborations, Chelsea has worked with Black British Jazz sensations, Theon Cross and Shabaka Hutchings. 

Chelsea, a Black woman at the vanguard of all that is thriving in British Jazz now is also keen to champion and shine a light on Black British Excellence in Jazz,  she does this through her advocacy as educator, soloist and band leader.

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