Bio

Ivan Mazuze is an acclaimed composer, award-winning saxophonist, and world jazz artist originally from Mozambique, based in Norway. Known for his distinctive fusion of African traditions and contemporary jazz, Mazuze’s music resonates with cultural depth and global influence.

Mazuze began his musical education at Mozambique's National Music School in 1987, training in classical piano for seven years before transitioning to woodwind instruments with a focus on jazz improvisation. Mazuze further developed his saxophone artistry under the guidance of Orlando da Conceição in his home country, building a strong expressive foundation. As a student, Mazuze was also deeply inspired by masterclasses with Jackie and René McClean as well as Ernest Dawkins,  experiences that left a lasting imprint on his artistic voice. His musical direction and improvisational philosophy were later shaped by the influential teachings of Zim Ngawana. During his time with the South African National Youth Jazz Band, he continued to refine his craft under the mentorship of Barney Rachbane, complemented by formal education with renowned jazz educators such as Mike Rossi, Mike Campbel and Andrew Lilley. 

Following his foundational studies, he pursued a degree in jazz and composition and later a Masters in ethnomusicology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. His scholarly work includes articles on trance and ritual music, published in The Talking Drummagazine. 

Mazuze’s talent was recognised when he won the Old Mutual Jazz Competition in Composition in South Africa in 2001. Driven by a clear vision for his career, he founded a production and publishing company while still a student. This entrepreneurial step paved the way for the release of his debut album, Maganda (2009), which reflected his journey through jazz and African musical traditions. The album earned several prestigious accolades, including:

  • Best Afro World Group at the Oslo World Music Festival (2009)
  • Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards (2010)
  • Two wins at the Mozambique Music Awards (2010) for Best Afro Jazz Album and Best Jazz/Instrumental Album
  • Recognition as Best Newcomer and Saxophonist of the Year by the African Jazz Network (2010).

Mazuze’s subsequent albums have further solidified his position as a global jazz innovator:

  • Ndzuti (2012): Blending Southern and West African traditions with jazz, this album was lauded by the African Jazz Network and featured in Songlines Magazine’s top 10 albums of the year.
  • Ubuntu (2015): Featuring Norwegian and South African musicians, the album received critical acclaim in the Nordic jazz scene and was included in JazzCD.no as a representation of contemporary Norwegian jazz.
  • Moya (2018): Supported by Arts Council Norway, this album was celebrated for its innovative merging of modern and traditional styles.
  • Penuka (2024): A groundbreaking exploration of Arab and Indian influences within African rhythms and jazz improvisation, described by Jazznytt as “an artistically ambitious record.”

As a performer, Mazuze has graced major festivals and venues worldwide, including the Oslo Jazz Festival, Havana International Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, WOMEX,  Seoul Music Week, Amersfoort Jazz festival, Nasjonal Jazzscene, Cosmopolite Scene, Pisa Jazz Festival, Jazztage Gorlitz Festival, Jazz no Franco, Peperoncino Jazz Festival, International Academy of Music Festival, Di'Vino Jazz Festival, Musica Sulle Bocche Jazz Festival, Grahamstown Jazz Festival, Joy of Jazz Festival, Locomotive Jazz Festival, Nick la Rocca Jazz Festival, Mela Festival, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, by'Larm, Musicastrada Festival, Tromsø Jazz Festival, SunFest, Santos Jazz Festival, Fundinho Jazz and Blues Festival, Blue Note São Paulo, Guararema Jazz and Blus Festival to name but a few. His collaborators include renowned artists such as Omar Sosa, Manou Gallo, Hermeto Pascoal, Ney Conceição, Jimmy Dludlu, Ghorwane, Stewart Sukuma, featured performances with artists such as Jonathan Butler, Jamala, Amira Medunjanin, Jaliba Kuyateh and many more. While his own group features esteemed musicians like Per Mathisen, Jørn Øien, Olav Torget, Raciel Torres, Olga Konkova, Sidiki Camara, Jai Shankar and featured artists such as Mike Armoogum, Linley Marthe, Thiago Espirito Santo, Doad Gypsies of Rajasthan, Frank Paco and many more.

Mazuze has received multiple grants and scholarships for his compositions and albums from organizations like the Norwegian Jazz Forum, Oslo Municipality, Norwegian Composer’s Association, NOPA, and TONO. His achievements include specialization scholarships (2015, 2020) and several composition grants.

Beyond his music, Mazuze plays an active role in fostering cultural exchange. He was instrumental in launching International Jazz Day in Mozambique (2015) and has been a mentor for the event’s celebrations in Norway alongside educator and alto-saxophonist Steve Wilson. His leadership roles include:

  • Board member at Oslo’s Cosmopolite Scene
  • Cultural consultant for Drammen Municipality, curating a diversity of artistic expressions and presenting for the first ever artists such as Richard Bona, Sara Tavares, Lura, Bonga, Paulo Flores, Amira Medunjanin, Tito Paris, Sara Correia, Salif Keita to name but a few.
  • Advisory committee member for Arts Council Norway specifically the scheme for concert organisers and festivals in Norway
  • Artistic selection committee member for the Norwegian Jazz Forum (2021–2023)

Mazuze has also served as a jury member for the Jazzintro 2022 talent program, which highlights emerging Norwegian jazz artists.

With his career spanning continents and genres, Ivan Mazuze is a true ambassador of world jazz, celebrated for his ability to merge African heritage with contemporary global sounds.