Biography
Nubya Nyasha Garcia, born in 1991 in Camden Town, London, is a British saxophonist, composer, DJ, and bandleader recognized as a leading figure in the contemporary UK jazz scene. Raised in a musically rich environment by a Guyanese mother and a British Trinidadian father, Garcia was exposed to a wide array of genres from an early age. She began her musical journey at the Camden Saturday Music Centre, first learning violin and viola before switching to saxophone at age ten. Her early education included time with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and the Camden Jazz Band, and she later attended the Royal Academy of Music’s junior jazz program, Tomorrow’s Warriors, and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, from which she graduated in 2016.
Garcia's career accelerated with the release of her debut EP 'Nubya’s 5ive' in 2017, followed by 'When We Are' in 2018, both of which garnered critical acclaim and established her as a vital new voice in jazz. Her debut album 'Source' (2020) blended African, Caribbean, Latin American, and electronic influences, earning international recognition and a Mercury Prize shortlist. Garcia is celebrated for her powerful, groove-oriented sound and her ability to merge traditional jazz with modern genres, as heard on her subsequent releases and collaborations. She has performed at major festivals worldwide, held a DJ residency on NTS Radio, and headlined prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the BBC Proms.
Garcia’s legacy is marked by her role in revitalizing the London jazz scene, her innovative approach to composition and performance, and her commitment to collaboration. She is known for working with prominent artists like Makaya McCraven, Moses Boyd, and Shabaka Hutchings, and for inspiring a new generation of jazz musicians with her eclectic style and dedication to musical exploration.
Fun Facts
- Garcia originally played violin and viola before switching to saxophone at age ten.
- She held a monthly DJ residency on NTS Radio, showcasing her eclectic musical taste.
- Garcia’s album 'Source' was shortlisted for the 2021 Mercury Prize, one of the UK’s most prestigious music awards.
- She performed at the 2021 BBC Proms, receiving a five-star review from The Daily Telegraph.
Associated Acts
- Neue Grafik Ensemble
- Maisha
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Nikki Yeoh - Early jazz education, directed Camden Jazz Band (Youth ensemble training) [Early 2000s]
- Jean Toussaint - Private saxophone instruction during gap year; former Jazz Messengers member (Private study) [2010s]
- Gary Crosby - Director of Tomorrow’s Warriors, mentored Garcia as part of the ensemble (Tomorrow’s Warriors workshops) [Late 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Joe Armon-Jones - Bandmate, frequent collaborator in Garcia's ensembles and London jazz projects (Nubya’s 5ive, live performances) [2017–present]
- Moses Boyd - Drummer, bandmate, and collaborator on recordings and live shows (Nubya’s 5ive, When We Are) [2017–present]
- Makaya McCraven - Collaborated on remixes and live performances (Remixes, joint concerts) [2018–present]
- Shabaka Hutchings - Collaborator in London jazz scene, joint performances (Live shows, London Brew project) [2018–present]
Artists Influenced
- London jazz scene emerging artists - Garcia’s success and style have inspired a new generation of UK jazz musicians, especially women and musicians of color (Numerous up-and-coming artists cite her as an influence) [2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Um Mar Pra Cada Um, | 2025-05-26 | Album |
| Odyssey | 2024-09-20 | Album |
| SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE | 2021-10-22 | Album |
| SOURCE | 2020-08-21 | Album |
| Universal Beings | 2018-10-26 | Album |
| Nubya's 5ive | 2017-05-17 | Album |
| SUGAR LIKE SALT | 2018-06-15 | Album |
| Universal Beings | 2018-10-26 | Album |
| Where We Come From (Chicago x London Mixtape) | 2018-07-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dentro Ali (Um Mar Pra Cada Um,)
- Dawn [ft. esperanza spalding] (Odyssey)
- Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be - Nala Sinephro Remix (SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE)
- Set It Free (Odyssey)
- La cumbia me está llamando [Feat. La Perla] - Kaidi Tatham Remix (SOURCE ⧺ WE MOVE)
- The Message Continues (SOURCE)
- Lost Kingdoms (Nubya's 5ive)
- Triumphance (Odyssey)
- Set It Free [Feat. Richie]
- Odyssey (Odyssey)
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-jazz, #jazz, #jazz-fusion
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nubya Garcia has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 07:55 | When We Arefrom When We Are | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |