Official electronic press kit
Rivkala
RIV-kuh-luh · she / her
Showgirl, singer and storyteller
Rivkala is an award-winning multidisciplinary jazz and soul artist, vocalist, writer and bandleader. From the campy cabaret world of Crushed Velvet, she and her six-piece band blend jazz, soul, funk and klezmer into provocatively playful songs about gender, wealth inequality and mental health. Serious grooves meet theatrical wit beneath the warm glow of her beloved lamp, Lucille.
"No ordinary jazz musician."
"The funkiest cabaret I've ever been invited to."
"A striking stage presence that harks back to the grand age of cabaret."
The story so far
Cabaret with teeth.
Rivkala is an award-winning multidisciplinary jazz and soul artist, vocalist, writer and bandleader. From the campy cabaret world of Crushed Velvet, she and her six-piece band blend jazz, soul, funk and klezmer into provocatively playful songs about gender, wealth inequality and mental health. Serious grooves meet theatrical wit beneath the warm glow of her beloved lamp, Lucille.
Read full bio
Born in Manchester and based in Newcastle, Rivkala builds vivid, theatrical worlds around soulful melodies, sharp observational writing and a larger-than-life cabaret presence. Her work turns everyday frustrations into playful social commentary without losing sight of the groove.
Alongside her six-piece band, she has appeared at BBC Proms performances, Manchester Jazz Festival, the MOBO fringe festival and the SXSW Roadshow, and has supported Postmodern Jukebox at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. Her music has received coverage from BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, Selector Radio and BBC Introducing.
Selected credits
- Two BBC Proms performances
- Best Music Video - Youth Music Awards
- BBC Introducing "One to Watch"
- MOBO fringe and Manchester Jazz Festival
- Support for Postmodern Jukebox at The Glasshouse
- Radio coverage across BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM and Selector Radio
