Monique Hellenberg

Monique Hellenberg completed her BMus in Jazz Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2004. She has performed with numerous jazz groups, including the Jonny Cooper Big Ochestra, Track 5 and Mamavox. Aside from jazz, Monique has performed as lead female vocalist with Afro-Cuban salsa band Maquina Loca and has participated in various stage shows performing music of the 60s and 70s. In 2008 she performed as a backing vocalist for South Africa's foremost ska band, The Rudimentals, at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Monique also features regularly with Breakfast Included and the popular house duo, Goldfish.

Her most current achievements include being selected as the lead vocalist for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2007, as well as winning the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship for singers in 2007. In February 2008 she completed a short course in Traditional Cuban Music Studies at the Cuban Music Summer School in Havana, Cuba. Besides appearing on stage, Monique has performed on local TV shows such as 'Afro Cafe' and 'Morning Live'. She currently teaches Jazz Vocals at UCT.