Jessica Chaz is a powerhouse singer-songwriter and producer whose extraordinary vocal talent sets her apart in the music industry. Now based in Vancouver, this South African native discovered her passion for music in Durban, where she formed her first band, Seasons, during her undergraduate studies in Music. The band captivated audiences across South Africa, performing at prestigious venues like the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music (founded by Darius Brubeck), the Ballito Jazz and Prawn Festival, and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. They headlined corporate events at the International Convention Centre and enjoyed a career highlight performing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Chaz graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music in 2011.
After moving to Canada, Chaz quickly established herself as a rising star. She was featured as an Artist to Watch at Vancouver’s 2014 MIX Showcase. In 2016, she co-founded Moodlab Music with her sister, Vanessa Mood. The indie label was created to champion underrepresented artists, drawing from the sisters’ own experiences navigating the music industry.
On June 1, 2018, Chaz released her heartfelt debut EP, Dreamin’, a reflective exploration of longing and discovery. The EP earned international acclaim, reaching #23 on South Africa’s iTunes Pop Albums chart and #53 in Canada. Her momentum continued in 2019 when she performed at the Canadian Music Week Festival in Toronto and had her single “Yes to You” featured in the South African TV show Isidingo (Season 22, Episode 16).
In 2020, Chaz performed her track “Answer” live for the UKZN Jazz Centre’s Voices Against Gender-Based Violence virtual concert. The performance was so well-received that she released it later that year.
Marking the 5th anniversary of her debut EP, Chaz unveiled the Dreamin’ Remix EP in June 2023, celebrating resilience and the enduring power of hope. In November 2023, her single “Will You Love Me” hit #1 on South Africa’s iTunes Pop Vocal chart, followed by the release of her EP River in December 2023. River reached #44 on the U.S. iTunes Pop chart, #4 in South Africa’s Pop Albums chart, and #13 in Overall Albums.
In 2024, Chaz continues to push boundaries with her latest project, Promise of Sunlight Remixes. This compilation features reimagined versions of her track from River, with each remix reflecting the musical essence of its co-producer’s home country, including Brazil, South Africa, the USA, and Canada. True to her commitment to global collaboration, Chaz’s new release showcases her ability to bring diverse sounds together while staying true to her artistic vision.
Name:
Jessica Chaz
Genre:
Pop
# of Albums:
1 LP; 3 EP’s
Latest Album:
Latest Single:
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Stevie Wonder
Favourite musician now:
Beyoncé Knowles
Guilty pleasure song:
More than words
Live show ritual:
Tea with honey on stage and singing a gospel song during sound check
Favourite local musician:
Miles Black
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl
Road or studio?
Both, but studio right now
Any shows or albums coming up?
Promise of Sunlight Remixes EP
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Threads
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Ancora
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Marinaside Crescent, there’s great food/restaurants and a great place to walk and see the water.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
VanDusen Botanical Garden, it’s beautiful with plants from around the world, it has a maze, a lake and waterfall, and the Festival of lights is beautiful!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Orpheum
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & McQuade
