Jawa Manla (1996 ) is a Syrian Oud player born in Aleppo and grew up in Damascus. She is renowned for her emotionally charged and technically proficient performances. Her musical journey, which commenced at the tender age of eleven, was not merely a professional pursuit, but a deeply personal one. Inspired by her father's daily Oud playing, she discovered solace and a means of self-expression in the instrument. This familial bond ignited a profound passion for the Oud, an instrument she describes as a gateway to boundless freedom, and has since become an inseparable part of her identity.

Jawa's initial foray into the arts started with ballet lessons at six. She began music classes at eleven at the Sulhi Al Wadi Music Institute in Damascus to further her ballet training. Her love for the oud blossomed here, leading her to dedicate herself fully to music. Her unwavering commitment and six years of intensive study at the institute solidified her determination to pursue a musical career.

In 2012, Jawa moved to Egypt with her family, where she continued her musical education at Beit El Oud, the Arabic Oud House Institute, under the esteemed Iraqi Oud player Naseer Shamma. This study period further honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the instrument.

In 2014 she moved to Istanbul, where she received private lessons from the Turkish Oud player Nacati Celik. These experiences enriched her musical palette and prepared her for the next stage of her journey.

Since June 2015, Jawa has been based in the Netherlands, immersing herself in a vibrant community of Dutch and international musicians. This experience has broadened her musical horizons, allowing her to perform in various prestigious European venues and festivals. Her international encounters have enriched her musical palette and given her a unique perspective. She has played in various bands and ensembles, including the Netherlands Blazers Ensemble, Caravan, Qasyoun, and Fuse. In France, she performed as part of the Medinea-Community under the supervision of Fabrizio Cassol. Additionally, she joined the theater group of Het Filiaal Theatre Makers.

In 2016, Jawa was accepted into Codarts, the Conservatory of Rotterdam, where she studied in the World Music department. She graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Music degree.

In 2023, she recorded her debut album, Distant Roots, which received critical acclaim and was ranked number 4 on the list of best albums in the Netherlands for that year. She has performed at notable venues and festivals, including Het Concertgebouw, Bimhuis, Muziekgebouw, Oerol Festival, Grachtenfestival, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival.

Jawa is pursuing a Master's in Music Therapy at Codarts, University of the Arts. This decision was not just a natural progression in her musical education but a testament to her belief in the transformative power of music.