About
“For me, music is a way to connect — with the Spirit, with one another and with the rhythms of the earth.”
Cantanda Michèle is a Swiss singer-songwriter who grew up in Thun, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, surrounded by the beautiful shores of Lake Thun and the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps.
Today, she lives in Costa Rica, where lush tropical nature, Latin American culture and the "pura vida" mentality offer a striking contrast to her Swiss roots. Moving between these different worlds continues to shape her perspective and artistic journey.
Her music reflects her deep connection to Mother Earth and her desire to contribute to a more peaceful and united world.
Musical Roots & Influences
Cantanda Michèle’s musical journey grew out of her own life experiences. Growing up in modest circumstances and navigating difficult family situations, she found refuge in nature, while street culture became another important influence during her youth.
Hip-hop and spoken word gave her a way to process emotions and difficult experiences and express herself through words and rhythm.
Later, through encounters with imigrants from West Africa in local parks, she discovered the djembe and the power of percussion.
Her spoken-word texts gradually evolved into melodic songs accompanied by guitar and ukulele, forming the foundation of her own musical expression.
Her influences include Afro-American music, particularly Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, as well as Reggae, Rocksteady and Hip-Hop. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill have shaped her musical sensibility. Today, these roots meet the vibrant sounds of Latin America and her deep connection to Mother Earth.
Live Performance & Collaborations
Blending Reggae, Soul and World Music with heartfelt, spiritual and socially conscious lyrics, Cantanda Michèle weaves messages of LOVE, PEACE and UNITY into her songs. Her soulful vocals, guitar, ukulele and percussion create an organic sound driven by groove, melody and meaningful words.
Her original songs are at the heart of her repertoire, complemented by selected Rainbow Songs, Medicine- and Peace Songs. Singing in English and Spanish, and exploring her Swiss roots through Swiss German, she invites audiences to sing along, move and celebrate the moment.
Collaboration is an important part of her musical life. She has developed a close musical partnership with Aaron Goldsmith, who plays bass and the Mexican guitarrón, and guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Philipp Jonientz. Both have contributed to many of her musical productions over the years and are also involved in the development and production of her upcoming album
"Give Thanks".
For live performances, she collaborates with experienced musicians, bringing together flexible line-ups that range from intimate acoustic settings to full band arrangements.
Beyond Her Own Music
For Cantanda Michèle, music is a way to contribute to a more compassionate and peaceful world. Her songs reflect a commitment to love, justice and unity, and the belief that positive change begins with the choices we make every day.
In Costa Rica, she also plays percussion in a Balkan band, joining musicians from different countries and cultural backgrounds to explore the lively musical traditions of the Roma and travelling communities of Eastern Europe. This collaboration allows her to discover new rhythms, learn from other musicians and experience the unifying power of making music together.
Beyond the music, she is a mother, nature lover, peace keeper and gardener. She also works as a language tutor, bringing people and cultures closer together through communication — another expression of the connection that lies at the heart of her life and music.
