One of the things best things about Jazz Fest was being able to discover new artists from all over the world and one of the ladies that I was able to check was the beautiful Mayra Andrade.

Ms. Andrade, the Cuban born, Cape Verde raised, Paris living singer is only 23, but has been on the world music scene since she was 16. Even after worldwide acclaim (outside the US, of course) and touring, and even being featured in an AIDS awareness campaign she didn’t get her first record deal until 2005. On that record, titled Navega, is a mix of African music with strong Brazilian influences with a touch of French jazz. As a result of her upbringing, her music sung in three languages (Portugese, French and Kriolu, a Cape Verdian patois) and she effortlessly switches between them all.

After selling out shows in the UK and Europe, Andrade was selected as “Best Newcomer” at the 2008 BBC 3 World Music Awards.

Oh, and did I mention that she is drop dead beautiful? She easily ranks as one of the hottest women I’ve met in person. Beyonce who?? Check out more about Mayra at her MySpace.

http://www.myspace.com/mayraandrade

Mayra Andrade – Felicidade