Jazzmedia and More is proud to be representing Ineza Kerschkamp in the promotion of her debut full-length album, “IBUKA,” which was released on September 12, 2025.

We have been following Ineza’s evolving career with great interest over the past few years, witnessing her transition from a promising vocalist on the UK jazz scene to a fully-fledged artist with an original voice and a compelling story to tell. “IBUKA” marks a significant milestone in her journey. Far from being just a collection of songs, it is a deeply personal and thoughtful meditation on memory, identity, and the places we call home. The album title, which means “remember” in Kinyarwanda, is a clear nod to Ineza’s Rwandan roots and the emotional themes woven throughout the work.

Ineza’s life story is inseparable from her music. Born in Rwanda to a young mother facing immense challenges, she was adopted as a baby into a Belgian family just months before the tragic genocide in 1994. Raised by her adoptive mother, Francine Declercq, Ineza found in her a bedrock of love and stability. It was only in her late teens, after reconnecting briefly with her birth mother and then enduring the loss of Francine, that she turned seriously to jazz as a means to process grief, seek belonging, and ultimately heal. This background gives Ineza’s music a rare emotional authenticity and depth that resonates throughout “IBUKA.”

This album is dedicated to Francine, and the music unfolds like an extended letter to both mothers — one who gave her life and the other who shaped it. Across eight original compositions, Ineza explores her past with honesty and emotional clarity. Her voice is precise yet raw, navigating themes that are both intensely personal and universally relatable. Tracks such as “Song For My Mother” and “Kwibuka” — a piece written for the 2024 genocide commemoration — stand out for their unflinching lyrical content and emotional gravity. Meanwhile, the lead single “Silence” draws from neo-soul influences but remains distinctly in Ineza’s own voice, delving into the complexities of love and vulnerability shaped by a complicated history.

Musically, “IBUKA” is a rich blend of contemporary jazz fused with elements of neo-soul, traditional soul, and folk. This multifaceted approach mirrors Ineza’s wide-ranging influences and the layered texture of her personal narrative. The opening track, “Another Time,” for example, is inspired by the Block Universe Theory — a philosophical concept suggesting that past, present, and future coexist simultaneously. This idea brought comfort to Ineza after the loss of her adoptive mother, and is reflected in the song’s layered harmonies, combining her jazz foundation with a clear love for artists like Stevie Wonder and Gretchen Parlato.

The album continues with “Waking Up Hungry,” which leans into a more traditional jazz feel and addresses themes of dissatisfaction and worry in the face of uncertainty. The track “Grow” offers a contrast with an uplifting, danceable 12/8 groove that conveys a sense of triumph over adversity. Songs like “Walking Away” and “The Garden” delve into the realities of personal growth and adoption, grappling with the conflicting emotions of leaving situations behind while holding onto gratitude and complexity. “The Garden” stands out with its folk-inspired sound, reflecting influences from James Taylor and Becca Stevens, and serves as an evocative metaphor for Ineza’s experience living between cultures in Europe.

The album closes with “Kwibuka,” a jazz ballad written for the Rwandan genocide commemoration that offers a message of peace and community after tragedy. Throughout the record, the interplay between Ineza’s vocals and Michael Lack’s saxophone creates a dynamic, conversational quality reminiscent of the classic pairing between Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley, but with a contemporary, personal perspective. Improvisation is integrated into all tracks, with each band member contributing solos that bring their own interpretation to Ineza’s story, resulting in a record that is both meticulously crafted and vibrantly alive.

Since relocating to London, Ineza has steadily established herself as a rising force on the UK jazz scene, lauded for her powerful voice, emotional authenticity, and sophisticated songwriting. She has gained recognition through two well-received EPs and has performed at iconic venues such as Pizza Express Dean Street. Her participation in innovative projects like “Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories” has showcased her commitment to spotlighting overlooked narratives, delivered with grace and subtlety. In 2024, she made a notable debut in Germany at Jazzahead, expanding her reach and solidifying her reputation as an artist unafraid to cross borders and genres.

We at Jazzmedia and More are honored to champion Ineza’s debut album, a work that speaks not only through its musicality but through its powerful storytelling rooted in real-life experience. This album offers an invitation to listeners to engage with memory, identity, and healing in a way that is at once personal and accessible.

For more information on Ineza and this album, please contact us.

About Ineza

Ineza’s versatility as an artist is evident in her diverse portfolio of performances and collaborations. She has toured with award-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell and the Down for the Count Orchestra, showcasing her ability to adapt to various musical styles. Her theatrical prowess shone through as she starred as ‘Valaida’ in the original cast of London’s immersive theatre experience, The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age. Ineza has also opened for the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, demonstrating her comfort with different genres of music.

Her vocal talents have extended beyond live performances, contributing to the soundtrack of the BBC 2 documentary Silverback and EA games’ The Sims 4. As the face of ‘Women’s Words Sister’s Stories’ and a performer with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Ineza continues to broaden her artistic reach. Her membership in the critically acclaimed choir ‘The London Vocal Project’ further cements her status as a versatile and respected vocalist.

With a confident yet deeply emotional delivery, Ineza’s star continues to rise. Her growing reputation for outstanding vocal ability positions her to leave an indelible mark on both the European and international Jazz scenes. With the release her debut album, the music world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Ineza’s promising career.

Please contact us for more information regarding line-up and availability.