ABOUT

Pioneer of the theme of solely bass & vocals in both her recorded and live music set up, Zola Marcelle in a few words is the combination of bold creative, gentle soul, and a warrior's mind.

​

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in England, Zola's development as a musician has been steadily rising; from genetic disposition to church beginnings, stadiums, tours and session singing now to her own magnetic, raw musical field. Zola's voice can be described as light but deep, soothing yet interesting with lyrics that embody the meaning of her names 'peaceful' 'warrior'. It is with these energies that her music is made and recognised.
Her art has been acknowledged and played by Worldwide FM, BBC Radio 6 Music, Gilles Peterson and other European stations. She has fearlessly been creating music that pushes the boundaries of what we know, and so far has achieved a sold-out debut EFG London Jazz Festival show at the Pizza Express, Holborn held by Gilles Peterson himself. She has also played the Jazz Cafe, at Jazz Re:Freshed and the Southbank Centre with her extremely unique set up of 3 electric bass guitars, 1 upright bass and herself on vocals.
As a person of family value, Zola's journey has had crucial support from loyal friends she nows calls family. Her tight, melodic and sensitive bass players Arthur O'hara, Nathan Bossoh, Leslie Essel, Geo Jordan and Alec Hewes are the people who have helped curate her live shows for the most visceral experience possible. It is with this team of people she wrote and recorded her last 2 EP's: Done. Undone. Redo' (Aug 2020) and now 'Becoming' (Nov 2022).

This latest EP introduces us to her soul; taking us through a journey of childhood trauma, grief and the inevitable but hard-won triumph of returning joy.

Zola has also collaborated with some of the UK Jazz's heavyweight names such as Sheila Maurice-Grey (KOKOROKO), Ashley Henry, Daniel Casimir and Myele Manzanza.