Dominican-born Singer Marie - Claire Giraud wins 2024 InterContinental Music Awards for Jazz
Marie-Claire Giraud
Wins Award on original song “Chasing Rainbows”
Celebrated jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud has been named the winner in the Jazz category at the 2024 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA). The prestigious awards recognize global musical talent, and Marie-Claire’s win highlights her growing influence in the jazz world. Her winning song, "Chasin’ Rainbows," is a testament to perseverance, positivity, and the pursuit of dreams.
Marie-Claire, born in Dominica and raised in the Bronx, expressed her joy at receiving the award. “Winning ‘Best of America Jazz’ for my original song 'Chasin’ Rainbows' is beyond wonderful. More people will now hear my song, which is all about staying positive and never giving up on your dreams,” she shared.
This year’s competition saw entries from over 55 countries, showcasing the diversity the ICMA strives to promote. The 2024 winners list includes artists from a wide range of genres, including Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, and Asian Pop. The awards’ unique approach also highlights geographic regions, with submissions spanning 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 and Executive Director of ICMA.
Winners of the ICMA, including Marie-Claire, receive various career-boosting rewards, including scholarships to the DIY Music School’s Music Industry Online Course, mentoring sessions with industry experts, promotional support, and official awards certificates.
Marie-Claire is currently recording her highly anticipated Jazz album, CARAVAN, with Plaid Dog Recording. The album is slated for release in late October 2024. Fans of her live performances can regularly catch her at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge, a venue owned by Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli and his wife, Victoria, where she performs alongside renowned pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker. Marie-Claire’s one-woman show, The Great American Songbook at the Movies, was a popular act at Parker’s Thompson Hotel Central Park, where she was occasionally accompanied by iconic pianist Lee Musiker.
Beyond her recording achievements, Marie-Claire has showcased her talents on renowned stages such as the Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, and Small’s Jazz Club in Jamaica. She has performed at international festivals, including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, the Cartagena Jazz Festival and collaborated with artists like Spragga Benz.
Most recently, Marie-Claire performed at the Hawaii Classical Music International Competition Winner’s Concert in Honolulu and headlined a sold-out show for Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series. She also made her acting debut in the indie film $FREE99, which is set to be featured at major film festivals. In 2022, she starred in the off-Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ one-act play Hello From Bertha
In addition to her ICMA win, Marie-Claire has been recognized with the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and an award from the NAACP for her career achievements and community service. She has also been honoured with citations from the New York State Senate, New York City Hall, and the United Nations.
Marie-Claire’s ability to excel across multiple genres—Opera, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Songwriting—has earned her a place among the most versatile and celebrated artists of her time. With her ICMA win and her upcoming album, CARAVAN, the world will undoubtedly be hearing much more from this remarkable artist.
