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Megumi Habuka
Professional singer and songwriter based in New York.
About Me
Acclaimed New York-based jazz vocalist, composer and arranger Megumi Habuka’s
outstanding abilities as a soloist and improviser have led her to become an in-demand
vocalist on the East Coast and in Japan.
Born in Saitama, Japan into an artist family, Megumi began studying vocal and piano as a
young child, giving her first performance when she was 5 years old. Since her older brother
was familiar with Jazz and UK Rock, there were many records such as Beatles, Miles Davis,
John Coltrane, and Nina Simone at her home; it was natural for her to sing those songs at the
early age. However, she was interested in becoming an architect since her father is a world-
famous architect; at age 18 she enlisted in an architecture school in Japan.
In her early years as a student, Megumi visited New York, discovered Jazz and was impressed
by the real music scene in New York City. That experience inspired her to become a
professional musician. Soon after returning to Japan, Megumi started to work at a Jazz Club
in Tokyo, quickly became noticed and began performing with famous musicians such as
Katsumi Tani, Kenji Kousei, and Nobuo Fujii every weekend; during this time she learned
Jazz theory, idioms, and skills.
Her passion for jazz music brought her back to the US - Megumi decided to enter Berklee
College of Music in 2007. During this time she studied and performed with famous
musicians such as Walter Beasley, Dennis Montgomery III, Richard Smallwood, Anne
Peckham, and Diane Richardson. After graduating Berklee in 2011, Megumi moved to New
York, continued performing and began working on her first EP entitled ”Perfect” which will
be released in September 2012.
Ms. Habuka is an active performer whose roster includes top music venues in New York City
such as Tomi Jazz, Shrine Harlem, and ShapeShifter Lab. Currently she is working on the
promotion of her EP, which will entail national and international touring in collaboration with
several renowned New York City artists, including Simon C.F Yu, Keita Ogawa, Manami
Morita, Evan Marien, and Bob Edinger.
My Jazz Story
I am professional singer/composer/arranger based in New York. I sing both Japanese/English. I speak Japanese and English. I went to Berklee College of Music. I love singing whatever it comes up in my head. I love to play bass. I love my friends and family. I love chocolate. That's me!