Jazz is one form of music that transcends most other genres and has done so throughout the ages. Its complexity, off-beat rhythms, sophistication and spirit of improvisation courses through its precious origins. Those traditions run deep within the soul of award-winning vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim and there is no greater gift than seeing her sing her story in full flight.

A vibrant mix of cultural heritages that underpin her every move, Tawanda was raised in the deep south of New Mexico on the border near Texas and Mexico. She is proudly a first-generation American, with a mother from Germany and a father from Mozambique. This fusion of diverse backgrounds inspired her sonically at a very early age. Family gatherings would feature the dance-able call-and-response of Cuban rhythm, messages of ancestral journeys from the South Pacific Islands, West African songs of struggle and hope, Middle Eastern oud & tabla, the emotional pull of orchestral music and more— rich stories and emotions, voices and deep indigenous wisdoms from faraway lands she grew not only to treasure and respect, but also to see as important pieces of a greater global community.

Ranging from her family’s household favorites, Sam Mangwana & Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo & Brenda Fassie, to the classic composers Vivaldi and Bach, intertwined with her mother’s favorite songwriters Carole King and James Taylor, one essential commonality was revealed. True, unique artistry, story-telling, and world-wide rhythm. This represents Tawanda’s musical aspiration which is now gathering speed with audiences everywhere.

After becoming acquainted with the show tunes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Oscar Hammerstein during her second education, her relationship with American Jazz music began to flourish further under the watchful gaze of Jazz mentors Mirabai Daniels and Horace Alexander Young at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, where she gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a focus on Vocal Performance. It is no surprise that she honors the memories of distinct Jazz legacies such as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Carmen McRae.

Always looking forward, Tawanda delves deep into the worldwide Jazz scene and explores the multi-genre fusion that can be found in its paradise of riches. A desire to respect not only her peers but the origins of her name, which translates into 'we are more' in a Bantu dialect called Shona, has embedded a deep-rooted desire within her to strive for collective identity and continuity.

Yearning to bring people together in times of increasing polarization, she wants to always deliver a message of healing. As a person of mixed heritage, living and learning in a country that still has so much to do to mend the wounds of its oppressive history, she sings with a message that asks listeners to be present & pause for reflection, to show up sincerely and authentically for themselves, and for their communities. Supporting fundamental human rights has become a constant companion on her emerging journey. When wrapped in her powerful and simply breathtaking vocal abilities, the music industry is only just beginning to understand how brilliantly influential she is.

There is no better affirmation of that talent than winning the prestigious 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Jazz competition, an accolade previously conferred on artists such as Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, and Samara Joy McClendon. In April 2023, Tawanda was awarded an Outstanding Achievement BISTRO Award for Jazz Vocalist based off of her "stunning" Birdland Jazz Club debut in November of 2022, critiqued by Gerry Geddes. 2024 saw her begin to reach across the world, completing one 18- country European tour and three U.S. tours with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, and another three tours including a Florence debut at the Teatro Niccolini with Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. From 7,000-people outdoor crowds to 2,000- seat concert halls, to intimate and historic venues near and wide, 2026 will find her reaching further still, with esteemed international presence.

Now based in Los Angeles and with a whole host of performances that have enthralled audiences everywhere, Tawanda is set to soar on the wings of success, and looks forward to a future that will bring endless joy to music lovers everywhere.