Nayade Macea
Naya began her saxophone studies at the age of 15, and after two years of dedicated practice, she entered the National Conservatory of Music, where she quickly excelled, earning first-place awards in multiple competitions. She has since completed specialized programs at Berklee College of Music, earned a bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Music, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Music Education.
With over 12 years of experience, Naya has performed with orchestras, Big Bands, and as a soloist at international festivals. She is now recording her merengue album, Nayando, which already has two singles released. She has collaborated with renowned artists like Arturo Sandoval, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Johnny Ventura, and has specialized in merengue, the Dominican rhythm she teaches in masterclasses at various universities and conservatories. Her work also includes recordings for legendary artists such as Juan Luis Guerra and Milly Quezada.
Naya has received the National Young Leadership Award in the Cultural Field twice for her contributions to Dominican music (2022) and the Maraca Ocoeña Award as an Outstanding Artist (2023), with the 2024 Cultural Week in San José de Ocoa dedicated to her career.
Internationally, she has been a featured guest at festivals, performing alongside Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval at Tolijazz 2023 in Ibagué, Colombia, and is an annual performer at the HAK’E Summer Festival in Curaçao with the Axel Pikero Orchestra. In 2021, Naya completed her Contemporary Music degree from Pedro Henriquez Ureña University, has directed the orchestra for Puerto Rican artist Joseph Fonseca, and has participated in national musical productions, including In the Heights, further cementing her influence and dedication to her craft.
