New York – Acclaimed jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud has been announced as the winner in the Jazz category at the 2024 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA). The prestigious annual awards recognize global talent across various musical genres, celebrating excellence in artistry from around the world.
Marie-Claire, originally born on the island of Dominica and raised in the Bronx, New York City, expressed her excitement upon receiving the honor. “To win Best of America Jazz for my original song Chasin’ Rainbows is beyond wonderful because winning means more people will hear my song, which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams,” she said.
The 2024 ICMA competition saw over 55 countries participate, showcasing a diverse range of global talent. The final list of 116 winners spanned genres such as Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz, with entries categorized by geographic regions to highlight musical contributions from Africa, Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.
“We weren’t just celebrating individual melodies but a harmonious global symphony, where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories,” remarked Shahed Mohseni, Founder & Executive Director of the ICMA.
The ICMA panel, consisting of experts from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries, judged submissions based on their originality, message, melody, harmony, composition, and production quality. As a winner, Marie-Claire will receive valuable rewards, including scholarships for the DIY Music School’s Music Industry Online Course, personalized mentoring with ICMA judges, promotional support, and official recognition for her achievement.
Currently, Marie-Claire is recording her Jazz album Caravan at Plaid Dog Recording, with a planned release in late October 2024. Regularly performing at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge, owned by Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli and his wife Victoria, she collaborates with renowned pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker. Her previous one-woman show, The Great American Songbook at the Movies, was a popular fixture at Parker’s Thompson Hotel Central Park, where she sometimes performed with pianist Lee Musiker.
Marie-Claire’s impressive recent performances include the Hawaii Classical Music International Competition Winner’s Concert in Honolulu and a sold-out show for Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series. She also made her film debut in $FREE99, which is set to be featured in major upcoming film festivals, following her off-Broadway debut in 2022 with Tennessee Williams’ one-act play Hello From Bertha.
Marie-Claire’s career spans performances at iconic venues such as the Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, New York City Hall, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, and Small’s Jazz Club in Jamaica. She has performed at major international festivals, including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and the Cartagena Jazz Festival.
Marie-Claire’s contributions to music and her community have earned her the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and recognition from the NAACP for career achievements and community service. She has also been honored with citations from the New York State Senate, New York City Hall, and the United Nations.
For updates on Marie-Claire’s upcoming performances, visit her official website at marie-clairegiraud.com. Marie-Claire is represented by the Kenneth Carol Agency.
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