Zoë Modiga

BIO

Zoë Modiga is an artist who represents the present and future of African music drawing from the roots of African storytelling, jazz composition and motown soul but creating a sound entirely her own in order to communicate an evolving African sound without loosing its essence.

Her love for music began at a very young age encouraged her to attend the National School of the Arts in Bloemfontein, Johannesburg where she studied classical piano, clarinet and vocals. She later studied Jazz performance at the College of Music, UCT.

Zoë has collaborated with some of South Africa’s finest musicians including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Thandiswa Mazwai, Johnny Clegg, Simphiwe Dana, Louis Maholo and Tshepo Tshola. She has performed at celebrated festivals such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, MTN Bushfire Festival, Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival, Fete De La Musique, Oppikoppi, Rocking the Daisies, Redbull Music Festival, Basha Uhuru Music Festival, and many more.
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Zoë’s debut album was nominated for Best Jazz Album and Best African Artist for the 24th South African Music Awards 2018 and was awarded with the Mbokodo Award for music in 2018. She was the winner of the Jazz Category of the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition 2015. Zoë was in the TOP 8 of The Voice SA in 2016. Zoë is an artist challenging the status quo and inspiring a new generation to turn their heart yellow.
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What the Press has to say:

“Zoë is a vocal virtuoso — there is nothing her voice can't do – she hits high notes with ease, and varies her delivery — she can sing in sparse dilated sentences, and, on songs like “Uh Oh (A Sensible Life), she packs her words like an MC.” – Okay Africa.
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“This is the kind of music you want to walk in to at home after a long, hectic day on the job or whatever
pursuit steals your day.” – Omenka Online.
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“Talented, flawless in her delivery, a transcendent performer with a distinct and a fresh brand identity,
Modiga has proved to be a dynamic, multifaceted force.” – The Citizen.