By Our contributor

The global jazz scene is getting a powerful infusion of female talent with the xJazz Music Residency, a groundbreaking initiative bringing together some of the most exciting female jazz musicians from six countries across Africa and the UK. This residency is more than just a musical exchange—it’s a bold statement about the role of women in jazz and their growing influence in the industry.

Taking place in Lilongwe, Malawi, from September 23rd to 30th, the residency will see these musicians engage in a week of creative collaboration, culminating in a live performance at the Lake of Stars Festival 2018. The project will then move to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the artists will showcase their collective sound and engage with industry leaders.

The ensemble, aptly named Banou Azania (Royal Africa), features an extraordinary lineup of artists: South African trombonist Siya Makuzeni, London-based trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey, Kenyan percussionist Kasiva Mutua, Zambian guitarist Micah Miyanda, UK-Barbadian bassist Isobella Burnham, and Malawian vocalist Marlyn Chimombo. Each artist brings a unique cultural and musical background, creating a sound that is as diverse as it is dynamic.

Beyond the performances, the xJazz Residency serves as a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development, empowering women in jazz and fostering cross-cultural collaborations. Supported by the British Council in partnership with key organizations, this initiative is breaking barriers and amplifying female voices in a genre historically dominated by men.

By connecting emerging and established artists from Africa and the UK, xJazz is proving that jazz is not just a sound—it’s a movement.

For updates, follow #xJAZZ on social media.