Mozambican Jaz Rice joins Southern Pulse
Shout-Africa – Swiss born singer/songwriter joins SA’s fastest growing booking agency Southern Pulse. Born of English parents, Jaz grew up in Geneva, Switzerland. At 14 Jaz spends 4 years in Bristol, UK and 1 year in Cardiff, Wales before returning to his home town. It is in 1994, during a trip to Thailand that he starts writing. 1999, he leaves for Brooklyn, New York, spends 5 years there and begins compiling the songs that made up his debut album, Roof Top.
In 2001 he travels to Africa for the first time. Where he discovers the beauty of Namibia, from here on, his ties with southern Africa will grow tenfold. He collaborates with Namibian artists Ras Sheehama & Ngatu (cf Handful of Namibians, African Cream Music / INgroovess). “Roof Top”, the album, is recorded in 2005-6 with Namibian & Congolese musicians.
As of late, Jaz is based in Maputo, Mozambique and has started the Coolela Project, a 7 piece band which has appeared in some of Mpumalanga’s biggest events, Innibos 2009 as well as Robert Matana Gumede Birthday & Thanksgiving Music Festival, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it” alongside South African legends, Hugh Masekela, Tshepo Tshola, Rebecca Malope, American Kenny Latimore and Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi.
Previous shows include Switzerland’s Monteux Jazz Festival (2000, 2005), Geneva’s Summer Festival (2002, ’03, ’05, ’07 et ’08), South Africa’s Innibos Festival, Swiss World Music Festival, opening act for Incognito, Half Moon in London (UK), Havana Club, Maputo, Mozambique and a live performance with Ras Sheehama at the 1st Namibian Music Awards in 2006 among many of his performances. This extensive traveller drew inspiration through human interaction which has led him to places like New York, Jamaica, Thailand, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.
Currently spreading his message in South Africa and Mozambique, the Coolela Project is the latest chapter in this songwriter’s journey. After the Namibian Shambo get ready to embrace the folk of the Mozambican Marabenta as it weaves itself into his life… Jaz & Coolela will take you on a journey where Pop, Folk, Reggae and Afro-Beat blend together to form a unique style of World Music. The lyrics embody an honesty and diversity that draws the listener into his world.
