SALOMEA: German Jazz Prize Winner Heads to London
SALOMEA, the German vocalist, composer, and producer, won Artist of the Year at the 2026 German Jazz Prize for her fearless approach to jazz — blending electronica, hip-hop, and R&B into something entirely her own. She brings her quartet to London's PizzaExpress Soho on 4 October to celebrate her new album, 'axxxis'.
Why SALOMEA Is One of Jazz's Most Exciting Voices
The German Jazz Prize citation praised SALOMEA for transcending musical boundaries rather than reinforcing them. Her sound pulls jazz into conversation with electronica, soul, and funk, creating music that feels both sophisticated and immediate. American vocalist Genevieve Artadi of the duo Knower, a collaborator and fan, describes her simply as 'an inspiration.' That kind of cross-Atlantic recognition speaks volumes about her growing international reach.
The Story Behind the Music and New Album 'axxxis'
Born Rebekka Ziegler, SALOMEA grew up in Germany's Black Forest region performing in funk and soul cover bands as a teenager — the daughter of two professional classical musicians. She moved to Cologne at 21 to study music, where she built the close-knit quartet she still leads today with Yannis Anft, Oliver Lutz, and Leif Berger. Her new album 'axxxis' is fully self-produced and recorded almost entirely live as a band, channeling themes of grief, instinct, and human connection following the loss of her mother in 2020.
What to Expect at Her London Jazz Show
You can catch SALOMEA live at PizzaExpress Soho on 4 October 2026 at 8pm. The intimate venue suits her music perfectly — her sound rewards close listening, with layered production and a deeply rhythmic foundation that she describes as central to her songwriting. This is a rare chance to experience one of European jazz's most compelling artists in an up-close setting, performing material from an album that marks a bold new chapter in her career.
Key Takeaways
SALOMEA's Artist of the Year win at the 2026 German Jazz Prize reflects a career built on artistic courage, deep collaboration, and a vision for jazz that speaks to younger audiences. Her London show on 4 October is a must-see moment in the European jazz calendar.
Author: Sebastian Scotney
Source: UK Jazz News
Published: September 24, 2026
