Songstress Zoë Modiga has just proved that South Africa will never run short of fine female singers.

Modiga, who dazzled music lovers at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz last weekend, has musical depth, sense of passion and artistic ambition. The singer from Mbali in Pietermaritzburg, opened for top acts such as Caiphus Semenya, Musiq Soulchild and Salif Keita.

Born Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga, this was her debut solo performance at the international jazz festival. For two years, she performed with the Standard Bank Jazz Band.

"It was exciting to share the stage with respected musicians. But most importantly, I got encouraged by people who showed an understanding of my music though they were hearing it for the first time. I loved the atmosphere."

Modiga, who dropped her debut album in March titled Yellow the Novel, says although it took her two years working on the album, the results are pleasing. She says she titled it Yellow the Novel because yellow is her favourite colour. She has worked with talented musicians like Bokani Dyer and Kyle Shepherd.

"When I think about yellow the first thing that comes to my mind is happiness. And I wanted to associate my first album with that happiness. Working with people like Bokani was a way of making sure that I give people the best and quality music."

She says it's an experimental album because she hates sounding the same.

"I like experimenting with different styles. But at the same time I don't want to confuse people.

I want them to relate to my music when they are listening to it.

"My music is influenced by different styles but jazz is the main sound because I studied it. My music is fused with soulful jazz fused with classical and folk music."

As someone who has a degree in jazz vocals, it shows in her performances. "I believe in hard work in order to get the best results. For me it is a matter of principle. I have been applying myself and the growth process has been gradual and smooth."

As much as jazz fans loved her music, Modiga rates Salif Keita as one of the best performers at the festival.

"His performance was contagious, it defies all language barriers. He oozes a lot of musical intelligence."

Her love for music started at a young age and encouraged her to attend the National School of the Arts in Joburg, where she studied classical piano, clarinet and vocals.

In 2015, she won the jazz category for the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition, but she is yet to go because she is busy with her music. She was also a contestant on the M-Net show The Voice.