Kadi Vija

“My music gives the audience a journey into my thoughts, beliefs, values and history.” – Kadi Vija

Kadi Vija (b. 1985, EST/FIN) has a long background in vocal jazz improvisation and defines herself primarily as a vocal instrumentalist. Vija’s music explores sounds from modernism, jazz and electronics, as well as a deep fascination with rhythmic variety.
Vija channels stories from an unfamiliar language into melodies, sounds and ideas. In her music she aims to find a balance between being out of her comfort zone and feeling comfortable, and to do so with utmost sincerity.

Vija studied in several globally leading institutions, such as the Berklee College of Music, the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department and the Conservatory van Amsterdam. While at these diverse schools she thoroughly explored jazz as an art-form with some of the world’s most eminent musicians.

Kadi Vija became widely recognised with Kadi Quartet, who won the Young Nordic Jazz Comets Finland in 2013. Kadi Quartet’s debut album Stories was released with the great saxophonist Greg Osby’s record label Inner Circle Music.

Vija’s second album with Canadian pianist Lucas Dann presents compositions of Theolonious Monk in a traditional setting with an experimental presentation. This release has inspired further collaborations with the acclaimed Finnish pianist Seppo Kantonen.

Additionally Vija has recently released a tribute cassette tape dedicated to Phoebe Buffay, known from the 90s cult classic Friends. Vija’s ability to perform them in a similar off-key manner as the originals has gathered a wide interest.

Kadi Vija had the honor to perform as a soloist with Finland’s preeminent big band in January 2019.

Kadi Vija’s newest collaboration Kadi Vija Key Project includes some of Finland’s most sought-after musicians such as Max Zenger on bass clarinet, Tuomo Dahlblom on guitar and Tuomas Timonen on drums.