The Bantu & Boundless artist, Zola Marcelle, is a Zimbabwean-born, London-based multidisciplinary artist. With a rare mix of Shona and Sotho heritage, her journey through music, culture, and history is steadily shaping her into an exciting contemporary voice of her generation. Raised partially in Bulawayo with a family steeped in music, Zola grew up with a deep connection to song and her African roots.
Belonging to a generation of active participants in Zimbabwe’s independence struggle, Zola adopted a profound sense of responsibility, identity, and freedom.

Having grown up in a home where music was a staple diet, Zola was surrounded by the global sounds of legends like Sankomota, Andrae Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Dludlu and Sibongile Khumalo. When she wasn’t listening to these musical greats, Zola would accompany her father on photography outings, a combination of visual and sonic inspiration that would later fuel her own creative process. These early experiences gave her a foundation in both artistry and activism.
Marcelle’s deep connection to music led her to study at Leeds College of Music, where she honed her skills and began to carve out her own space in the world of contemporary jazz and soul. Hereafter, her musical path took a bold turn as she began experimenting with minimalistic soundscapes, notably incorporating just bass and vocals on two of her EPs—”done.undone.redo” and “Becoming.” This stripped-back approach not only showcased her ear for arrangement and melody, but also demonstrated her ability to challenge and redefine sonic norms. Alongside these releases, her first EP, A Peaceful War, produced by Aron Kyne (Shingai, THABO, JulianKnxx), acted as a bold statement of powerful
creative and immersive musical narratives.
As live versions of her works, Zola has performed and headlined with her bass trio/quartet at some of London’s most iconic venues/showcases, such as EarTH Hackney with Jazz Re:FEST 2022, the Jazz Café, Southbank Centre, EFG London Jazz Fest, and the Brick Lane Jazz Fest 2024. This unique
instrumental line-up in her performances has garnered positive recognition from major figures in the music industry, including Gilles Peterson, Soweto Kinch, and Jamie Cullum. Her music has received airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6, KCRW, WWFM, and more, while also being featured in acclaimed director Adjani Salmon’s BBC drama Dreaming Whilst Black. In addition, Zola’s hand for songwriting and skill for performance has allowed her to work with with some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians including Daniel Casimir, Ashley Henry, Sheila Maurice-Grey and Myele Manzanza.

Now, Zola’s evolution has expanded into a world of music and history where her burgeoning role as a researcher-of-sorts, has led her to partner with academics from York, Oxford, and Birmingham universities, as well as Manchester Museum to curate a repository of Southern African history. This new venture into historical curation reflects her dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Bantu, from which she comes.
Zola Marcelle’s debut album, HOME, marks the culmination of her musical journey thus far. The album is a tribute to her dual heritage, blending contemporary jazz, soul, world music, and elements of breakbeat into a singular, innovative sound. With the production talents of Lewis Moody, Rudi Creswick and herself, HOME is not only a deeply personal exploration of identity but also a sonic offering that bridges Western and African musical traditions. Singing in multiple languages, Zola’s work embodies the spirit of a new era of cultural fusion, where borders blur and traditions evolve.
As she continues to break new ground, Zola Marcelle’s journey promises to open doors that have yet to be explored, not just in music but in the broader cultural and historical landscapes. Her art, informed by the past and infused with the present, is a testament to the power of creativity in forging new paths and telling untold stories.