Aziza Mustafa The Azeri Jazz Princess

By : Salma Karim

From the land of Azerbaijan she came, the crossroads of Eastern Europe and western Asia, a Caucasian face telling the story of Mugam in a jazzy melody. Aziza Mustafa Zadeh is her name. Her voice, her piano skills and her beauty are her passport into the hearts of all jazz aficionados.

The musician was born and raised in Baku (the capital of Azerbaijan) where Mugam, a musical tradition that mixes classical poetry with musical improvisation is the most dominant form of music. Growing up with an artistic background, playing instruments, singing, dancing, painting and composing at a very young age, the creative inclinations of the little girl became evident to everyone. Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, the Mugam lover, the piano goddess, the music whisperer, was born to be an artist.

Aziza’s father Vagif Mustafa Zadeh founded the Mugam jazz musical style, but Soviet doctrine soon banned jazz music, calling it “music of capitalists.” It wasn’t until after Stalin’s death that the prohibition against all forms of artistic expressions in Azerbaijan was lifted. Vagif Mustafa Zadeh then worked on his music, and became one of the best pianists, composers and jazz musicians of his generation, until his death, a few days before Aziza’s tenth birthday.

After making her debut stage performance with her father at the tender age of three, the young musical genius developed classical piano playing skills, going on to win many competitions all over the world. At the age of eighteen she had the opportunity to move to Germany with her mother, who is also her manager, to record her first album of Mugam influenced vocals.

Since then, Aziza’s ethnic musical background and both her classical and jazz music influences have made her albums a critical and popular success – fifteen million albums of her music have been sold all over the world since her debut.

When classical music, jazz and Mugam make one, then there’s no doubt it’s the power of Aziza Mustafa Zadeh’s music.

Aziza Mustapha Zadeh’s Discography:

Contrasts II - 2007 Contrasts - 2006 Shamans - 2002 Inspirations, Colors and Reflections - 2000 Jazziza – 1997

Seventh Truth - 1996 Dance of Fire – 1995 Always - 1993 Aziza - 1993

Aziza Mustafa Zadeh - 1991

Aziza Mustafa Zadeh’s Official website: www.azizamustafazadeh.de

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Cairo West Magazine extends a welcome to Salma Karim, a Moroccan singer and blogger with a passion for travel,photography and world music. Salma will keep us posted with the latest on the global music scene in each issue. Don’t miss her updates!

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