Vanessa Marcia
Vanessa Marcia (née Veldhuis) is a Dutch–Surinamese musician, music educator, and cultural entrepreneur. Active across genres such as soul, jazz, R&B, hip hop, reggae, Latin, Afrobeats, and Caribbean music, she founded *Ladiesjam*, *Almere Harmony*, and the *VVFLEX Foundation*.
Early life
Vanessa Marcia was born in the Netherlands to Surinamese parents.[1] She sang in church choirs and learned piano and drums at a young age, drawing inspiration from genres like kaseko, kawina, soul, reggae, and hip hop.
Career
Marcia performs as a musician and works as a songwriter, composer, producer, and music teacher. She is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, keytar, drums, percussion, bass guitar) and offers personalized lessons tailored to students of all ages and skill levels.[1]
In 2010, she founded **Ladiesjam**, an all-women, multi-ethnic band under the **VVFLEX Foundation**, of which she is the initiator.[1] VVFLEX stands for *Diversity, Versatility and Flexibility* in arts, cultures, and people. The foundation focuses on talent development, professional growth, and visibility for emerging and underrepresented artists.[2]
She also established **Almere Harmony**, a vocal harmony ensemble from Almere Haven. The group began as an a cappella trio, won the *Songs for Freedom* contest in 2022, and performed at the *Bevrijdingsfestival Flevoland*.[3]
Marcia supported the **Art Loca** music care initiative in Almere by participating in a crowdfunding campaign to purchase adaptive instruments for people with physical or intellectual disabilities.[4]
From 2018 onwards, she released several singles, including _Own Me Forever_ (feat. Sensi Q), _Soldier_ (feat. Symon Jason), _Spot Niet_ (with David Oron), and _40 Is the New 25_ (feat. Symon Jason).[5]
Musical style
Marcia integrates Western and Afro‑Caribbean traditions in her music. Influences from her Surinamese heritage and early church singing are reflected in her style and teaching.[1]
Community engagement
Through her initiatives with VVFLEX and Ladiesjam, she has promoted female and minority participation in the arts. She has led workshops, collaborative projects, and performance opportunities for emerging musicians.[1]
Discography
- _Own Me Forever_ (feat. Sensi Q) – single (2018)[5]
- _Soldier_ (feat. Symon Jason) – single (2019)[5]
- _Spot Niet_ (David Oron & Erik Ritfeld) – single (2021)[5]
- _40 Is the New 25_ (feat. Symon Jason) – single (2020)[5]
- _Number 1 Lover_ – single (2020)[5]
- _Sweetest Taboo (Afrobeat/Zouk Version)_ – single (2022)[5]
- _Happy Land_ (feat. Vanessa Marcia) – single (2024)[5]
Personal life
Vanessa Marcia continues to live and work in the Netherlands, balancing performance, teaching, and community arts activities.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 “Vanessa Marcia,” *Music In Africa*, retrieved July 2025.
- ↑ VVFLEX Foundation. “Over ons.” Retrieved July 2025.
- ↑ “Almere Harmony brengt vocale ode aan vrijheid,” *Almere Deze Week*, May 2023.
- ↑ “Crowdfunding voor aangepaste muziekinstrumenten,” *Omroep Flevoland*, retrieved July 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Apple Music discography for Vanessa Marcia, retrieved July 2025.
External links
- Vanessa Marcia on Music In Africa
- VVFLEX Foundation official website
- Vanessa Marcia on Apple Music
- Vanessa Marcia performance clip – YouTube
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