AYÊ pays homage to Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish, and other Latin music styles. With their distinctive sound—a dynamic fusion of tradition and creativity—they take listeners on a musical journey filled with energy and emotion. The band consists of:
- Inês Kosters – vocals and oboe
- Francisco Rodríguez – piano
- Eva Serrano – double bass and backing vocals
- Tiago Greenleaf – drums and percussion
The Erasmus Jazz Prize is made possible thanks to main sponsor Nedspice. The award includes a €3,000 cash prize and a performance on the Talent Stage at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2025.
The jury—comprising Salle de Jonge (drummer, producer, and lecturer), Linda Bloemhard (singer, education specialist, coach), Mark Haanstra (bassist, lecturer), and Frank van Berkel (Head of Programme at Bimhuis)—praised the event:
“A wonderful edition of the Erasmus Jazz Prize: all participants played at a very high level. The three candidates in the finale demonstrated the ability to combine creativity with skill. The winner, Inês Kosters (AYÊ), touched the audience with a very colourful and personal project straight from the heart.”
Organised by Codarts University of the Arts Rotterdam, the Erasmus Jazz Prize celebrated its 29th edition this year. The annual event has grown into a crucial stepping stone for emerging jazz talent, offering a stage for the most promising jazz musicians of today. Inês Kosters and AYÊ now join the ranks of renowned past winners, including Jan van Duikeren, Bart Wirtz, Louk Boudesteijn, and Rik Kraak. Thanks to the support of main sponsor Nedspice, LantarenVenster, and the Friends of Codarts Foundation, the Erasmus Jazz Prize remains a valuable stage for up-and-coming jazz artists.
