Colie Aziza’s musical style uniquely blends sounds of sultry jazz and soul with therapeutic elements of spoken word that speak to the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her listeners. This independent singer/songwriter’s performance intentionally sets out to create intimate landscapes, where she connects and shares her vision with the audience.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Colie attended Music & Arts High School in Harlem, where she majored in vocal studies, and she continued her studies at Syracuse University, where she studied musical theatre.
“Singing evokes the temple of the soul.”
-Unknown
Colie’s devotion to music and theatre led her to Washington, D.C., where she began touring and performing with various professional theatre productions, most notably a Kennedy Center National Tour. Colie eventually turned to develop her own distinctive sound. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack.” Spirited by the influence of these legendary greats, Colie began honing a melodious style all her own. She independently released her debut CD, Light Up The Darkness in March 2011 with subsequent singles between 2013 and 2016.
Colie believes in the power of collaboration. She currently creates and shares the stage with Liberated Muse Arts Group, Deep Water Jazz, The Charles Rahmat Group, as well as her ensemble Soul For A New Day.
“I’m still experimenting.”
-Stevie Wonder
Colie’s popularity emanates throughout the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas. She held a seven-year artist in residence at JoJo’s restaurant on U Street from 2007-2014 and has headlined at many other venues including the historic Blues Alley.
Colie’s audiences frequently request her original works of material during performances, as well as her and her band’s unique arrangements of beloved covers. As Colie reaches back to call upon the classic styles of Ella, Sarah, and Billy to inspire her music, her message reaches forward towards today’s audiences.
“It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.”
-Nina Simone
Colie published her first children’s book, Corey’s Dreams in 2016 using her pen name Aziza M. Throughout her life’s work, she encourages both adults and young people to always follow their dreams.
“No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.”
-Billy Holiday