Maria Gakenye

Maria Gakenye is a Kenyan Vocalist, songwriter and composer based in Cape Town, South Africa. With a BA in Jazz Studies from the University of Cape Town majoring in Vocal Performance, Gakenye is a versatile singer with a distinct vocal character and a high appreciation for Afrojazz music.

Maria Gakenye is a diverse singer who yearns to share a part of herself in music and storytelling through song. This young vocalist embodies an African spirit in her music, drawing influence from traditional African music, South African Jazz, American Blues, and soul music.

Gakenye is also the founder of Sauti za Afrika, a live performing band of Cape Town musicians who celebrate Afrojazz through music and poetry. Gakenye has performed in various venues in Cape Town Including the acclaimed Youth Jazz Festival at the Artscape Theater, The Baxter Theater Centre, Selective Live, with Jazz in the Native Yards at the Athletic Club and Social, Blue Room, and Armchair Theatre. She has also performed in venues such as Geco Cafe, Ukumbi Mdogo at the Kenya National Theatre and Westy's Lounge in Nairobi, Kenya.

Maria is currently completing a research master's in Ethnomusicology and African Studies at the University of Cape Town, with research that investigates the Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Enhancing Inclusive Vocal Training at Kenyatta University (Kenya) and the University of Cape Town(South Africa).