Venna: The new groundswell of modern Jazz talent redefining the musical soundscape
Meet Venna, the dynamic force in the modern jazz scene blending saxophone mastery with production genius.
Born Malik Venner, the multi-instrumentalist has gained recognition for his genre-defying creations, seamlessly incorporating elements of drill with melodic jazz beats. His talent as a Grammy Award-winning producer and musician has led him to collaborate with some of Afrobeats' biggest names, including WizKid, Burna Boy and artists like Knucks.
However, it is Venna's debut solo project, "Venology," that truly showcases his unique artistic vision. With this project, he has finally let those on the outside in on a big secret: his profound connection to his art. The EP is a testament to his ability to create timeless music that transcends genres into a cohesive and soulful soundscape. These harmonic records are not just a reflection of his own journey but also the collective experience as well as inspiration of creating with others, marked by an unspoken synergy by the selective people he works with that transcends mere musical partnership.
While jazz traditionally evokes the image of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, this new generation of modern jazz artists, particularly those similar to Venna emerging from London, are reimagining and reinventing contemporary jazz. This new school stays true to the essence of the genre while infusing a spectrum of modern influences, shaping a smooth musical sphere that proves "good music" not only lives on but prospers. By blending yore inspirations with contemporary sounds, these artists demonstrate that transformative tunes are always rooted in the past but driven forward by modern innovations, showcasing the limitless possibilities of musical creation and stretching beyond the confines of a single genre.
Music has taken Venna, a touring saxophonist, to many places around the globe. He captures his travels and inspirations on a Super 8 camera, drawing from picturesque outdoor landscapes to gather and collect his thoughts. These visuals are transformed into inspirations, infusing his music with a sense of place along with emotion, reflecting his visual perception in his creations.
As part of Yussef Dayes' exceptional band, Venna has further solidified his status as a visionary in contemporary music. A standout moment in his career was his electrifying saxophone performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, known as Africa's Grandest Gathering. Performing at midnight in the Moses Molelekwa Hall, the Yussef Dayes ensemble captivated the young crowd with their unique fusion of jazz, dance energy, and a wide range of riddims.
They ignited a palpable groove that showcased the genre's vibrancy and evolution, earning high praise for demonstrating jazz's enduring appeal when infused with modern beats. This achievement stands as a testament to Venna's profound ability to deeply connect with listeners, setting the audience ablaze with energy and putting on a show that was 'Ven out of ten.
Venna's work is a powerful reminder that music is limitless in its potential for creation and connection. His ability to blend genres and infuse modern influences into jazz is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary music landscape.
As Venna continues to push the boundaries of jazz and beyond, he is undoubtedly a leading figure in the new groundswell of modern jazz talent redefining the musical soundscape as a producer and musician.
For full visuals: https://tinyurl.com/52zmy95d
Meet Venna, the dynamic force in the modern jazz scene blending saxophone mastery with production genius.
Born Malik Venner, the multi-instrumentalist has gained recognition for his genre-defying creations, seamlessly incorporating elements of drill with melodic jazz beats. His talent as a Grammy Award-winning producer and musician has led him to collaborate with some of Afrobeats' biggest names, including WizKid, Burna Boy and artists like Knucks.
However, it is Venna's debut solo project, "Venology," that truly showcases his unique artistic vision. With this project, he has finally let those on the outside in on a big secret: his profound connection to his art. The EP is a testament to his ability to create timeless music that transcends genres into a cohesive and soulful soundscape. These harmonic records are not just a reflection of his own journey but also the collective experience as well as inspiration of creating with others, marked by an unspoken synergy by the selective people he works with that transcends mere musical partnership.
While jazz traditionally evokes the image of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, this new generation of modern jazz artists, particularly those similar to Venna emerging from London, are reimagining and reinventing contemporary jazz. This new school stays true to the essence of the genre while infusing a spectrum of modern influences, shaping a smooth musical sphere that proves "good music" not only lives on but prospers. By blending yore inspirations with contemporary sounds, these artists demonstrate that transformative tunes are always rooted in the past but driven forward by modern innovations, showcasing the limitless possibilities of musical creation and stretching beyond the confines of a single genre.
Music has taken Venna, a touring saxophonist, to many places around the globe. He captures his travels and inspirations on a Super 8 camera, drawing from picturesque outdoor landscapes to gather and collect his thoughts. These visuals are transformed into inspirations, infusing his music with a sense of place along with emotion, reflecting his visual perception in his creations.
As part of Yussef Dayes' exceptional band, Venna has further solidified his status as a visionary in contemporary music. A standout moment in his career was his electrifying saxophone performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, known as Africa's Grandest Gathering. Performing at midnight in the Moses Molelekwa Hall, the Yussef Dayes ensemble captivated the young crowd with their unique fusion of jazz, dance energy, and a wide range of riddims.
They ignited a palpable groove that showcased the genre's vibrancy and evolution, earning high praise for demonstrating jazz's enduring appeal when infused with modern beats. This achievement stands as a testament to Venna's profound ability to deeply connect with listeners, setting the audience ablaze with energy and putting on a show that was 'Ven out of ten.
Venna's work is a powerful reminder that music is limitless in its potential for creation and connection. His ability to blend genres and infuse modern influences into jazz is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary music landscape.
As Venna continues to push the boundaries of jazz and beyond, he is undoubtedly a leading figure in the new groundswell of modern jazz talent redefining the musical soundscape as a producer and musician.
For full visuals: https://tinyurl.com/52zmy95d
11:35 - 01.09.2024
