Tzadeka makes music that is unpredictable, clever and magnetic. Female-fronted, Experimental-Prairie-Soul/Spoken Word that’s fresh-as-hell!
Tzadeka (TZA-deka) is Maigan van der Giessen, an Edmonton based emcee who has been pushing the boundaries of music since putting out her first tracks with hip hop collective Eshod ibn Wyza (2003).
Maigan’s spicy vocals and intricate rhymes blend with long-time producer Marek Czuba’s masterful beat-making to create music that is distinct and fresh; with hints of jazz, punk, politics and the blues.
“I am a musician, emcee, and human rights advocate with life-long roots in Edmonton- amiskwaciwâskahikan. I have worked for over 15 years as a human rights educator, using community-engaged art to agitate and advocate. Throughout my 20 year career as a professional musician (Tzadeka), I have been featured on over 25 musical releases; collaborated with jazz, punk, folk, and soul artists, and opened for acts like Kinnie Starr, GZA, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, ?uestLove, and Choclair.
This genre-defying new album exemplifies the diverse talents and representations of woman-artistry in the prairies; marking a transformative step in Tzadeka's career, as her 1st LIVE album.
My artistic practice reflects on the intersections of justice, power and art-making as a human right, -translating and healing my own lived experience as well as my community's. I believe that women and femmes taking up space on stage means reclaiming power and dignity.
My current practice is focused on these themes, as well as expanding my modes of expression, through loop pedal improvisation, interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation in performance and presentation. I am influenced by artists such as Tanya Tagaq, Witch Prophet and KIMMORTAL; female and queer musicians that push the boundaries of their craft through creative vision, risk-taking and authentic expression.”
In March 2023, Tzadeka and the Murder Hornettes recorded a live show at the Iconic Yardbird Suite, with feature performances by guest artists. The 90 min all-female performance incorporated hip hop, jazz, soul, poetry, and instrumental improvisation, in a reimagining of songs from across Tzadeka’s 20 year catalog.
Tzadeka and the Murder Hornettes is emcee/vocalist Maigan van der Giessen, accompanied by flutist Kirsten Elliott, and baritone saxophonist Allison Ochoa.
Joined onstage by Afarin Nazarijou on qanun (Persian stringed instrument), and a featured performance by Edmonton Poet Laureate, Shima Aisha Robinson (Dwennimmen). This talented group of performers was brought together especially for this showcase that included loop pedal experimentation, poetry, vocal harmonies and instrumental improvisation.
Edmonton-based Vinyl Press, Flashback Records manufactured the double album.
