Biography
Who is Aziza Mustafa Zadeh?
Early life and musical beginnings
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh showed an early sensitivity to musical modes. Her parents were musicians Vagif and Elza Mustafa Zadeh. Family stories describe her reacting emotionally to different scales played on the piano while she was still an infant. She responded with tears to the somber Shur mode and moved with joy when her father switched to the optimistic Rast scale.
As a child, she studied classical piano and developed an interest in the works of Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach. She eventually began improvising during her musical studies. At age three, she made her first stage appearance with her father, where she improvised vocal parts. Her father, a significant influence on her musical development, passed away in 1979 in Tashkent.
Career and international recognition
In 1988, at age 18, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh placed third in a major piano competition held by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Washington, D.C. This achievement helped establish her international reputation. Around that time, she relocated to Germany with her mother, Elza, who later took over as her manager.
Her self-titled debut album arrived in 1991, featuring influences from Near Eastern music alongside jazz artists like Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea. Her second album, Always, earned critical attention and earned the Echo Prize from Sony, as well as the Phono Academy Prize in Germany. She has continued to release music, including her 2020 album titled Generations.
Beyond recorded albums, she has performed extensively around the world. In June 2007, she returned to Azerbaijan to perform at the Baku Jazz Festival. She headlined events at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the Green Theater. Over her career, she has collaborated with various jazz and traditional performers.
Personal life and interests
Aziza Mustafa Zadeh currently lives in Mainz, Germany, where she resides with her mother. Outside of her professional work as a musician, she enjoys painting and sleeping. She has stated that she believes in God but does not adhere to a specific organized religion. Her mother, Elza, remains an active part of her life and career management.
Birthday and age
Aziza Mustafa Zadeh was born on December 19, 1969, which makes Aziza 56 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Aziza shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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