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Nanaco Violin Berlin-based · Jazz / Funk / Improvisation

NANACO VIOLIN

Berlin-based violinist with an exceptional sense of groove and a truly singular sound — where jazz language meets the precision and fire of funk.

NANACO VIOLIN / Violinist, Artist

Nanaco is a Berlin-based Japanese violinist and multidisciplinary artist distinguished by her exceptional sense of groove and a truly singular sound. As a violinist, she is celebrated by musicians worldwide for her refined technique, rhythmic precision, and unmistakable musical identity.

Rooted in a rigorous classical education from early childhood, Nanaco began exploring jazz in her teenage years and soon immersed herself deeply in its language. Through extensive self-study and global travel, she developed a highly flexible improvisational vocabulary that allows her to navigate seamlessly across genres. Her playing merges advanced jazz language with the technical sophistication and rhythmic fire of funk, redefining the role of the violin in contemporary music.

Beyond the violin, Nanaco is also skilled in oboe, vocals, beatboxing, composition, and arrangement. Her performances are marked by bold spontaneity, dynamic stage presence, and a powerful rhythmic drive that captivates audiences in both concert halls and festival settings.

Currently based in Berlin, she collaborates internationally and continues to expand her artistic boundaries. Alongside music, Nanaco is an accomplished visual artist and graphic designer, engaging in diverse creative practices that inform her aesthetic sensibility and stage concept.

Her rare versatility and unwavering commitment to living fully in the present moment are reflected in every performance — delivering music that is technically compelling, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably her own.

Selected collaborations include:
Toninho Horta, Quique Sinesi, Marius Westernhagen, Pete Drungle, Daniel Carter, Craig Harris, Steve Coleman, Melvin Gibbs, Fred Wesley, Kamasi Washington, Brice Wassy, Pheeroan Aklaff, and more.