Noga Ritter is a London-based singer-songwriter, bandleader, and workshop facilitator whose music effortlessly fuses Hebrew Jazz with a rich tapestry of global grooves. Her songs, delivered in both Hebrew and English, weave personal and evocative stories into a broader narrative that addresses social and global issues. Whether performing in an intimate setting or leading her full 9-piece ensemble, Noga’s performances are renowned for their passion, energy, and the way they draw audiences into the soul of her music.
In May 2023, Noga made a significant mark on the world music and jazz scenes with the release of her debut solo album under Galileo Music. Supported by Arts Council England and Help Musicians UK, the album brings together 14 outstanding musicians, including acclaimed artists like Seckou Keita on kora, Byron Wallen on trumpet, and Tony Kofi on saxophone, with production by Liran Donin. The result is a vibrant soundscape that blends elements of jazz, traditional kora, Moroccan Gnawa rhythms, and Senegalese sabar, creating a musical experience that is as intricate as it is accessible.
As noted by critics, the album is a "heady mix of jazz, kora, Moroccan Gnawa rhythms, and Senegalese sabra," according to SONGLINES, and JAZZWISE praises it as "an immensely promising debut" with "textures from all cultures," affirming Noga as "a writer of serious potential." John Osborne of JAZZ FM describes her music as an "irresistible sound" that "defies any musical genres."
Noga’s new album places Hebrew within its original nomadic context, drawing from her rich cultural heritage, travels, and global encounters. The music is a vivid blend of soaring trumpet solos over Gnawa grooves, Jewish melodies backed by Senegalese sabar drums, and blissful kora improvisations alongside the subtleties of Israeli jazz piano, creating a truly unique and remarkable body of work.
Since launching her solo project in late 2018, Noga has performed extensively across the UK, including a recent sold-out show at the EFG London Jazz Festival. She gained further recognition with a performance on BBC1 TV, promoting her album Ima, which she celebrated with a sold-out 10-piece band show at The Forge Camden in July 2023. Following this success, she embarked on a tour through Italy, the UK, Germany, and Brazil.
Beyond her solo career, Noga has an extensive background in collaborative projects. She released the album *L’Odyssey* (2016) and toured internationally with her previous project, Vocal Global, earning critical acclaim from *Songlines Magazine* and *fRoots*. She has also performed and recorded with a wide array of artists within the UK’s vibrant music scene, including The Grand Union Orchestra, Jyotsna Srikanth, Mike King Collective, Sura Susso, Lambrego, and Randolph Matthews, and has performed at major venues like The Royal Festival Hall, Hackney Empire, Shoreditch Town Hall, and Cambridge Festival.
Noga’s passion for music extends beyond performance into education and community engagement. Since earning her MA from the Guildhall School of Music, she has been a regular workshop facilitator for organizations such as Live Music Now, Barbican Creative Learning, The Roundhouse, and CREATE, leading workshops in diverse settings, including special needs schools, hospitals, and care homes. She also serves as a facilitator for Music Action International, leading songwriting workshops for children and refugees, and works with ON: SONG to bring singing and choir workshops into workplaces.