Pronounced Ja-VA-lee, Jhavali is an arranger, composer, singer, producer, mixer, and engineer of her own smooth jazz and smooth soul music. Born and raised in Sacramento CA, she has been singing since the age of five and developed a love for songwriting by the age of eleven.

Coming from a deeply musical family, Jhavali was introduced early to both jazz and R&B through the influence of her mother, father, and uncles. Her first formal instrument was the clarinet, which she began playing in her 6th-grade school band. It was there that she learned to read music under the instruction of a teacher, fittingly named Ms. Keys.

She also developed a strong interest in percussion and began learning snare drum during that same period. Around this time, Jhavali’s passion for composition also began to take shape through the keyboard. Using a Casio keyboard and a music book from a local music store, she discovered a deeper connection to arranging and songwriting. One of the first songs she learned was Frank Sinatra’s “All of Me,” which she creatively reimagined and remixed into a pop style — a sign of the producer and arranger she was already becoming.

By the age of 14, Jhavali had transformed her family room into a makeshift recording studio, using her mother’s home stereo system, cassette deck, and boom boxes to build instrumental loops and record original ideas. With raw creativity and determination, she was already laying the foundation for the self-produced artist she would later become.

Jhavali has been heavily influenced by a wide range of jazz, soul, and R&B greats, including Angela Bofill, Anita Baker, The Whispers, The Manhattans, James Ingram, Gregory Hines, Michael Jackson, Michael McDonald, Cameo, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reeves, Lionel Richie, Sheila E., Prince, Kashif, Teena Marie, Mary J. Blige, David Sanborn, Kenny G, Jeff Lorber, Paul Hardcastle, Patrice Rushen, Fattburger, Najee, Tom Browne, Alex Bugnon, Bob Baldwin, Bob James, Boney James, Roy Ayers, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington Jr., George Howard, George Duke, and many more.

Outside of school bands, choirs, talent shows, and her own independent creative pursuits, Jhavali did not follow a traditional music education path. Instead, she developed her artistry through natural ability, instinct, and hands-on dedication. She continues to refine her craft as a vocalist, songwriter, composer, producer, and arranger, while remaining deeply committed to musical growth and excellence.

In 2019, Jhavali worked with acclaimed pianist, composer, and producer Bob Baldwin on her debut single, “Ooh-Woh-Ooh Woh,” which he produced. The single reached the Top 100 on Smooth Jazz Global, marking an exciting milestone in her independent music journey.

Since then, she has gone on to complete multiple projects of her own, including her self-produced album “Let’s Talk About It!”, which features Grammy-nominated bassist David Dyson on three tracks.

Jhavali continues to build her catalog with a sound that blends smooth soul, jazz, and heartfelt storytelling. As an independent artist with a growing body of work, she remains committed to creating music that is both authentic and timeless.

Join Jhavali on her musical journey — and look out for new music and, God willing, future performances from this rising indie artist.

Let's Connect!

Looking to collaborate? I'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form or reach me directly at:

jhavalimusic@gmail.com