By Adam Olenn

March 8, 2011

London-born Christine Vaindirlis was raised in apartheid-era Johannesburg, but left to study at Italy's Milan Conservatory. She was awarded an Achievement Scholarship at Berklee, and graduated with honors.

Vaindirlis’s debut album Dance Mama! is influenced by traditional jazz and South African music, and features accomplished Berklee alumni including Bryan Baker, Dan Brantigan, Emanuel "Chulo" Gatewood, Hiromi, Marco Panascia, Oli Rockberger, Gilad Ronen, Chris Ward, and Mauricio Zottarelli.

Three of the tracks placed in international songwriting competitions, and the album is being featured on the in-flight world music playlists of Copa, Continental, and United airlines. This track - Indaba - features international superstars Tony Cedras, Morris Goldberg, Bakithi Kumalo, and Daniel Sadownick.