Shelisa Akbar is an up-and-coming Canadian vocalist, composer, and educator. Her unique sound stems from influences in genres such as Jazz, RnB, Funk, Soca, and Reggae. Shelisa holds a Masters of Arts degree in music composition at York University, and a Bachelor Degree in Music- Voice from Humber College. Shelisa also teaches music lessons privately, and performs within the Greater Toronto Area.
Eeefa is a multi-instrumentalist and composer currently based in Brampton. Having graduated Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, it was there that she crafted her vocal style, which is rooted in jazz but has heavy influences from Brazilian and Latin music. While in Boston, she had the opportunity to further enrich her knowledge of Brazilian music by playing surdo for four years as part of a 30+ member batucada, aNova Brasil, led by the world-renowned Brazilian percussionist, Marcus Santos. Some notable past performances with aNova Brasil include the Link-Up program at Carnegie Hall, the Beantown Jazz Festival, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Benefit at Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a collaboration with Stomp! at the Wang Theatre in Boston and a collaboration with Clarice Assad and Boston Landmark Orchestra. Since returning to Brampton, she has been performing in and around the GTA. She was the inaugural performer at Gallery 35's A Night with Jazz concert series in Brampton and has twice sold out the iconic Jazz Bistro in Toronto.
Eeefa is currently working on her EP and will be releasing original music in the Fall of 2024. You can follow her on all socials at @eeefasings to stay up-to-date on her performance schedule and future releases.
Vocalist, composer, teacher, and bandleader Raquel Marina Skilich is recognized for her adaptability, competence, and originality. Based in Brampton, Ontario, Raquel is an emerging Canadian jazz artist who is optimistic in building a music career to connect with others on a deeper level creatively and authentically.
Raquel completed a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Comprehensive at the University of Toronto (2022). She has had the pleasure of studying under notable Canadian jazz musicians including Laura Swankey, Alex Samaras, Andrew Downing, Steve Wallace, and Terry Promane. Additionally, she participated in the intensive summer program entitled SIM: School for Improvisational Music (2022) where she has not only been able to learn from greats such as Michael Mayo but has been able to expand the boundaries of her vocal technique, improvising, and composing. Raquel is continuing to develop her craft by pursuing a master’s degree in jazz composition at York University.
Raquel is versatile in traditional/contemporary jazz, RnB, and pop. She often performs around the Greater Toronto Area and has led bands at some of Ontario’s most admirable venues such as the Jazz Bistro, Drom Taberna, Ethica, the Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, etc. Recently Raquel won the vocalist category of the Jazz 4 the Ages Youth Competition, an event hosted by the TD Niagara Jazz Fest. Raquel composes and arranges pieces for a variety of university and high school ensembles including the University of Toronto’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble led by Christine Duncan. With a diverse background in music, she is looking forward to sharing her musical artistry, versatility as well as expanding her audience.