Colombian-born and Bronx-raised, Manuela Sánchez Goubert is a composer, vocalist, and producer whose music bridges Latin American folkloric traditions with jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Her work explores migration, identity, and the dialogue between folkloric and contemporary music.
She is a Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Ambassador and 2024 Leading Ladies of Entertainment mentee. A summa cum laude graduate of Berklee College of Music and member of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the mentorship of Danilo Pérez, she is also a recipient of a DownBeat Award.
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Manuela began her musical training at LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, mentored by Lucía Pulido, and immersed herself early in New York’s Latin jazz scene. She later continued her artistic development at ID Studio Theater in the South Bronx, studying under pianist and composer Pablo Mayor, deepening her studies of Colombian and Caribbean folkloric music. As a composer, she draws inspiration from icons like Totó La Momposina and Susana Baca, blending folkloric rhythms with the harmonic freedom of jazz and other urban music.
Her debut album, Raíces (2024), explores the intersections of Latin American genres with jazz improvisation, leading to international tours across the United States and Latin America. She is currently preparing her second album and a North American tour.
Manuela has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Terraza 7, Boston Calling, Panamá Jazz Festival, Gaira Cumbia House, Quito Jazz Club, Palau de Les Arts (Valencia), and Jazz Zone Peru. Her work redefines Latin American folk through a cross-cultural lens that honors tradition and transformation.
