Jordan Rakei (UK) • Jazzkaar 2026

Jazzkaar 2026 headliner is Jordan Rakei! A singer-songwriter and producer who has become a central force in the UK soul and jazz-pop scene, Rakei’s instantly recognisable warm voice and cinematic soundscapes have earned him millions of listeners and fans around the world. At Jazzkaar, Rakei will perform as a trio, bringing to Tallinn an intimate and special setup where his voice, keys and guitar intertwine with drums and bass.

Rakei’s music blends soul, jazz, indie, r’n’b and electronic elements, creating a distinctive sonic universe where his velvety baritone meets intricate rhythms and profound lyrics. His work invites comparisons to Tom Misch, James Blake and Mount Kimbie — unsurprising, as Rakei moved from New Zealand to London, where he rose to prominence alongside these artists. Today he is considered one of the most versatile and innovative musicians of his generation, unafraid to reinvent himself with each new project while telling deeply personal stories about growth, love, family and freedom. His best-known songs, including the melodically captivating “Say Something,” “Mind’s Eye” and “Wildfire,” have solidified his place on the international music scene. As a co-writer, he has also earned a Grammy nomination, and in 2024 he was named the first-ever resident artist of the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

Across his albums and ever-evolving musical ideas, Rakei’s unmistakable vocals act as a guiding light — shading each composition with both velvety softness and confident power. His discography includes six full-length albums, most recently The Loop (2024) and the live album Live From the Royal Albert Hall (2025). With his latest work, Rakei steps away from the digital aesthetics of his home studio and reaches new heights, embracing grand orchestration and moving choral arrangements.

Having soared across stages such as the Sydney Opera House, Montreux Jazz Festival and Jazz à La Villette, Jordan Rakei will finally arrive in Estonia on 27 April — a long-awaited moment for Jazzkaar, for whom bringing Rakei to Estonia has been a dream for years. After recently seeing Jordan Rakei perform at North Sea Jazz, the festival team is especially excited to finally present him to the Jazzkaar audience.

We kindly thank Viru Keskus!