Rutgers IJS Presents Manuela Zapata Arbeláez Quintet

Colombian vocalist Manuela Zapata Arbeláez is one of the most compelling young voices emerging on today’s Latin jazz scene. Born in Cartago, Colombia, she discovered her musical calling in the church where she grew up, developing a deep emotional connection to singing from an early age. That foundation of faith, feeling, and discipline continues to shape her artistry as she blends the folkloric colors of her heritage with the improvisational language of jazz.

Zapata has performed at venues and festivals across Colombia, steadily building a reputation for her expressive phrasing, warm tone, and the cultural authenticity she brings to every performance. Now based in the United States, she is quickly becoming a rising presence in the NJ/NY Latin jazz community, expanding her repertoire across jazz, Latin, and Portuguese traditionsgregoryburrusproductions.com.

For her Rutgers IJS appearance, Manuela leads an all‑star quintet featuring Rodrigo Romero, Gabriel Quintana, Victor Ortiz, and Raul Huamán. Together, they deliver a vibrant, contemporary sound shaped by Afro‑Latin rhythms, modern jazz harmony, and Manuela’s soulful, story‑driven vocal approach.

The Manuela Zapata Arbeláez Quintet brings to Clements Place a fresh, heartfelt, and culturally rich musical experience — a rising artist honoring her roots while stepping boldly into her own voice.

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Host or Publisher The Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers-Newark