Jazz re:freshed are proud to announce the newest signing to the label, Zola Marcelle; whose debut album 'Home' lands on 28th March 2025 on digital and vinyl formats. Delivering a breath-taking and self-affirming body of work that delves into her rich cultural heritage, personal growth, and the powerful intersection of identity. An intimate sonic journey through her experience as a Bantu woman navigating themes of activism and authenticity in the African diaspora. Blending her Zimbabwean roots with a contemporary UK jazz influence intertwining three languages: Shona, Sotho and English. The first single from the album 'Names' is an ode to Bantu culture and the prevalent power of names in shaping one's worldview and destiny with swirling synths and glistening riffs caressing Marcelle's ethereal voice.
The album is an intimate exploration of self, history, activism and the ongoing search for "home" in a rapidly evolving world. A thought-provoking project that introduces Marcelle's unique voice and vision. The journey to creating 'Home' began at age 18 after leaving her family home and embarking on a personal quest to define what "home" is, leading to an exploration of her roots, coupled with a profound commitment to cultural preservation, and a powerful realisation as Marcelle shares: "Heritage is the stone upon which society, family, understanding, and Being is built."
Over the years, Marcelle's bond with her ancestral lands and her dedication to honoring her cultural lineage culminated in this deeply personal and evocative album. "This album is a love letter to the generations before me and a gift to the generations that will follow."
Produced by Lewis Moody (Cherise, Secret Sundaze Ensemble, Nubiyan Twist), the album showcases Marcelle's ability to weave together the unique sonic landscape of contemporary jazz with soulful Afroism resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds and themes. 'Breathe'expresses gratitude to Zola Marcelle's parents, who made life-changing decisions to improve the future for their children with Marcelle's father taking an active role in the uprising against colonial powers in Zimbabwe. The song is a powerful tribute to the courage it takes to break generational cycles and create new paths with lyrics that deeply resonate:'Vandinamatira kuti ndiwane mufaro. Vandi komborera, Mme le ntate oa ka, there's power in your words, I know' (written in Shona - a Bantu language of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Translation: they prayed for me to find joy, they blessed me so that I can move the mountains [of life], - my mother and my father), produced by Marcelle and co-written with bassist Abel Addington.
Delving further in this journey of self discovery,'Saturn Drive'explores the tension between self-belief and doubt, a theme Marcelle has grappled with throughout her life. The lyrics are a reflection on how often we fail to recognize our own potential:'...hear me, but don't listen, clap for me in silence, 'cos I'm afraid I might be, I may be, something worth believing' serving as a call to action and a poignant reminder that our human potential is greater than we often realise. A self-produced track with esteemed musicians: Rudi Creswick (Bass), Fatima Lahamm (Recorder) and Jansen Santana (Percussion).
Zola Marcelle is an artist, storyteller, and cultural ambassador, blending her Bantu heritage with modern music. Drawing from her Shona and Sotho roots, Zola's music is an expression of identity, history, and the powerful voice of a new generation of African women.