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Maja Jaku
About Me
Maja Jakupovic, known artistically as Maja Jaku, is an acclaimed jazz and soul vocalist, composer, and respected university professor whose voice and artistry transcend cultural and musical boundaries. Born on October 24 in Kosovo into a family rich in artistic tradition, her extraordinary talent revealed itself early—by the age of seven, Maja was winning music festival awards, and by fourteen, she had already formed her first band. At eighteen, in the Yugoslav wars, she made a courageous and defining choice: to travel alone to Austria to pursue her dream of studying jazz. In 1991, Maja passed the fiercely competitive entrance exam for the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, where she studied under legendary jazz vocalists including Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Andy Bey, and Jay Clayton. These formative years shaped her singular style—a sound rooted in deep emotional honesty, fearless improvisation, and technical brilliance. “It was a joy to work with Maja. She is a fantastic singer with a beautiful and natural instrument. Her passion for music is at the highest level.” — Sheila Jordan “Maja has an incredibly wide vocal range, high quality, and deep soul. Even when she’s wrong—it sounds right.” — Andy Bey “Your old teacher likes your record… especially ‘Out of This World.’ How well you do the language and scat!!!! Now you are there, Maja, so relax and enjoy!!!! Just think—I remember when you were first day at school… and you declared: I am for jazz!!!!” — Mark Murphy Between 1991 and 1999, Maja toured across Europe with her jazz trio, earning recognition at major festivals and collaborating with the pioneering Austrian fusion band Attack. Her theatrical versatility was also evident through starring roles in the musicals H ai r and G od s pel l at the Graz Opera House and Next Liberty Theater. In In 1997, she took a decisive step forward by forming her first ensemble under her name, marking her formal debut as a bandleader on the European jazz scene. After a brief pause to embrace motherhood, Maja returned in full force with her critically acclaimed debut album T al k i n g J azzi k in 2002, released by Extraplatte Record Label in Vienna. Featuring Austrian jazz greats Fritz Pauer, Ewald Oberleitner, and Karlheinz Miklin, the album established her voice as a dynamic and intimate force in modern jazz. In 2005, she released Messa ge on PG Records, a bold and forward-looking collection of original compositions and collaborations with musicians, including Sasa Mutic, Jure Pukl, Vanja Kevresan, and the celebrated American drummer Johnathan Blake. Her artistic journey deepened further with T h e U ni verse M ak es N o M i st ak es (2012), issued by ATS Record Label. With a refined and introspective sound, the album featured long-time collaborator Sasa Mutic, alongside Howard Curtis, Dusan Simovic, and Ivan Ivanov, and received praise for its spiritual depth and sonic elegance. In 2018, Maja’s voice caught the attention of Grammy-nominated songwriter Iain Dench and hit-maker Sharon Vaughn, leading to a remarkable transatlantic collaboration. Within an hour of hearing her demo, they responded with five unreleased songs. One of these, “Cross My Heart” , was released as a single under Universal Music, produced by Alex Deutsch, who also played drums. The recording featured a top-tier ensemble: Matthieu Michel (trumpet), Scott Kinsey (keyboards), and Stephan Kondert (bass), delivering a striking blend of modern soul and jazz. Returning to her jazz roots, Maja released S oul S ear ch i n g in 2022, again under ATS Records, recorded at Vienna’s ORF Studios. The album brought together a masterful group, including Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Thomas Kugi (tenor sax), Dusan Simovic, and Joris Dudli and Sasa Mutic create a powerful statement of introspection, groove, and artistic identity. The record received wide international airplay and critical acclaim from Europe to Japan. Now, in 2025, Maja unveils her most personal and ambitious project to date: Blessed & Bewitched was recorded at Bunker Studio in New York City. This all-original album is a fearless exploration of jazz’s emotional and spiritual dimensions—raw, poetic, and transcendent. Leading a powerhouse lineup that includes Johnathan Blake (two-time Blue Note recording artist, Adrian Varady (Quincy Jones protégé), Michael Rodriguez (Grammy-winning trumpeter), Alan Bartus (Herbie Hancock Competition semi-finalist), and Dezron Douglas (bassist for Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, and others), Maja brings her vision to astonishing life. The album is not just music—it is a declaration of authenticity, vulnerability, and uncompromising artistry. “She is a ‘singer’s singer.’ Her range spans swing, funk, gospel, and pop. Everything she executes is not only convincing—it is true.” — Howard Curtis Beyond her rich discography and live performances, Maja Jaku is a revered educator, mentoring the next generation of musicians at institutions across Europe. Her legacy continues to grow—not only through her recordings and concerts, but through the The lasting impact she makes as an artist devoted to expression, innovation, and the truth of music. Whether leading a world-class ensemble, shaping the future of jazz education, or creating emotionally charged soundscapes in the studio, Maja Jaku stands as a singular voice in contemporary jazz—a voice of courage, beauty, and spiritual depth.
