Carlos Navae – Latin Jazz

Carlos Navae is an evolution of many life thoughts and experiences. His music reflects his journey through musical genres such as Mexican, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Salsa, Funk and Caribbean beats such as Reggae and Reggaeton.

Born in Acapulco, Mexico, to a highly musical and creative family, Carlos started singing Mexican Mariachi and Cuban Boleros from a young age before picking up the guitar at the age of 17, learning from his professional musician father.

Carlos's musical talent took him from his hometown to Mexico City, Puerto Escondido, and finally New Zealand. This journey has given a great richness and depth to his music which now encompasses singing, songwriting, guitar, drums and percussion—his rich voice fills up any room, taking his audiences to far away warm places.

Since his move to New Zealand Carlos has been performing in popular bars around Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. He has played percussion for the Cuban band 'Calle Cuba' at the Nelson Jazz Festival and various Wellington events from 2004 until 2008; in 2009 he played percussion for Reggae band 'Rainbow Country' and 'Crazy Fat Brazilian Band' in 2010. He also made appearances playing percussion with The Vaughn Roberts Big Band and the Wellington School of Music Big band lead by Rodger Fox.

Carlos has performed on National TV several times and also at major events such as the Festival Of The Elements '06-'07, Summer Hummer with Frankie Stevens '06, Jambalaya Rotorua in '06, Summer City Botanical Gardens '07-'08, Newtown Festival '07 & '08, Cuba St Carnival '07 & '09, Jackson st Fest '09-'10, Latin Fest '10, NZ Pacific Salsa Congress '07-'09-'10-'12, The Otago Festival of The Arts in October 2012 with a sold out performance and recently performed to a full Stadium in front of 25,000 people the Argentinian National Anthem televised internationally by Sky TV at the Rugby match All Blacks vs Argentina.

His band features professional long-standing musicians that perform alongside artists such as Iva Lankum (NZ), Chet Baker Show (Australia) & Rodger Fox's Big Band (NZ).