Biography
Papuna Sharikadze, a Georgian jazz pianist, composer, and singer, began his musical journey at age 5, exploring various styles and performing classical repertoire. In 2010, he shifted his focus to jazz under the mentorship of Zura Ramishvili, while continuing his classical studies with Neli Kurtskhalia at the esteemed Paliashvili Central Music School in Tbilisi.
In 2014, he received a full scholarship to attend the 5-Week Summer Program at Berklee College of Music, where he later earned his bachelor's degree in 2019.
Papuna has performed at prestigious venues such as Blue Note, Birdland Jazz Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Regattabar, and Scullers Jazz Club, as well as major international festivals like the Umbria Jazz Festival, Klaipeda Jazz Festival, Tbilisi Jazz Festival, Black Sea Jazz Festival, and Saulkrasti Jazz Festival.
He has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Eddie Gomez, Terence Blanchard, Lenny White, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson, and Tia Fuller.
Renowned for his expressive touch, intricate harmonies, and heartfelt original works, Papuna continues to forge his own musical path—bridging the soul of Georgian heritage with the boundless possibilities of modern jazz.
Quotes
Terence Blanchard
"I was always impressed with Papuna’s talent. He is the type of talent that can change the course of music inspiring a new generation of musicians to strive to be the best."
Vadim Neselovskyi
"Papuna definitely belongs to handful of the best young pianists. I’ve never seen a pianist with such distinctive originality. He has an amazing ear for fresh harmony, extremely interesting improvised lines and impeccable time feel."
Reso Kiknadze
"Papuna’s numerous original compositions are inventive, imaginative and of enormous musical depth. He is truly one of the most thrilling and inspiring musicians I’ve had the delight to play with."
Laszlo Gardony
“Papuna’s improvisational skill, compositions and stylistic awareness are all standouts. He is one of the most remarkable jazz piano students I came across over the many years I have been teaching at Berklee”
Alain Mallett
"Papuna has proven to be an exceptional talent both as a pianist, but most importantly, musically. He has a strong command of many aspects of the tradition as well as a clear eye on the future."
Plamen Karadonev
“Papuna possesses a rare combination of qualities such as technical mastery and ability on the instrument, musical taste, calm and observant personality and a continuous desire to learn”