Melanie Scholtz, a South African-born jazz singer and composer, is an award-winning one. She has been playing piano since she was five years old. In 2000, she completed an Opera Diploma Cum Laude at The University of Cape Town. Melanie has so far released five albums under her own name and collaborated with many international and South African jazz artists. Melanie was awarded all three prizes at the Jazz a Juan Festival in Nice, France in 2012. In 2013, she was invited to participate in the festival program. Melanie has performed regularly in the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Slovakia, as well as performing in Spain, Portugal, Spain, Holland, Morocco and Portugal. Since 2006, she has been involved with Grahamstown’s National Arts Festival as both a performer as well as a teacher. She also participates in Artscape Youth Jazz since 2006. From 2004 to 2005, Melanie was also a University of Cape Town lecturer. Melanie was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist in jazz in 2010 and is still involved with upcoming recordings and projects involving other Young Artist Award winners. She also performed an impromptu duet during Bobby McFerrin’s show at Anjazz in May 2011. In August 2012, she was invited to the Joy of Jazz festival as a guest with Kurt Elling. Freedom’s Child was launched by Melanie in 2013. Freedom’s Child is a collaboration project with James Matthews, an iconic poet who combines poetry and jazz. In 2013, Melanie also released “Our Time”, her full-length solo album, which Bokani Dyer produced. Following the release of her latest recordings, Melanie went on a successful Christmas tour to Czech Republic in December 2013. Melanie Scholtz’s music is described as a friend and her honesty in music has inspired many listeners. With her unique and original sound, this South African artist will continue captivating listeners. from http://www.melaniescholtz.com
