Leïla Olivesi, recipient of the prestigious 2022 Django Reinhardt Award from the Académie du Jazz—honoring the best musician of the year—began her career on stage and in the studio at just 13 years old as part of the P’tits Loups du Jazz ensemble.
Born in Moulin d’Andé, Normandy, to a Mauritanian father and a Corsican mother, Leïla grew up in Paris, immersed in a rich artistic and cosmopolitan environment influenced by the music of Astor Piazzolla, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.
LE MONDE described her as: “A composer who writes for each tone and voice with precision, freeing them on stage. She stands in the lineage of great female bandleaders like Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, and Maria Schneider.”
Her sixth album, ASTRAL, performed with an octet, received widespread acclaim, earning titles such as CHOC Jazzmag, INDISPENSABLE JazzNews, and TOP JAZZ MEZZO. Her previous album, LA SUITE ANDAMANE, was awarded a Coup de Coeur by the Académie Charles Cros.
Leïla has performed at numerous festivals in France and internationally, collaborating with renowned artists including David Binney, Jean-Charles Richard, Manu Codjia, Emile Parisien, Magic Malik, Rick Margitza, Glenn Ferris, Stéphane Belmondo, Anne Paceo, and John Betsch. She has also worked with groups like the African Salsa Orchestra and Metiswing.
As a commissioned composer, her works for large ensembles include:
•“Rhapsody in Black” for the Choeur Philharmonique International.
•“Around the World in 80 Moons” for the Interdepartmental Choir of Hauts-de-Seine.
Leïla has also scored film soundtracks and collaborated with vocalists like Jeanne Added, Elisabeth Kontomanou, and Ellinoa.
Beyond her performances, she is a sought-after speaker on jazz and Duke Ellington and currently serves as Vice President of La Maison du Duke in Paris.
