Tzadeka makes music that is unpredictable, clever and magnetic. Female-fronted & fresh-as-hell! Tzadeka (TZA-deka) is Maigan van der Giessen, an Edmonton based emcee who has been pushing the boundaries of music since putting out her first tracks with hip hop collective Eshod ibn Wyza (2003). Maigan’s intellect, spicy vocals and intricate rhymes blur to create hip hop music that is distinctly unique; with hints of jazz, punk, politics and the blues. Tzadeka released Cities on Fire (2021), joining forces with local horn players, resulting in a fresh and full-bodied musical release that accentuates that classic Tzadeka sound. A brand new LIVE vinyl album is expected in Fall 2024!

Tzadeka has released six solo albums to date and taken part in multiple collaborations that highlight her diversity and creativity (La Bete, StepChild, Corvid Lorax, Kimberley MacGregor, Jay Gilday, FAK). Tzadeka is a local light at Edmonton-area events, community celebrations and festivals such as Hip Hop in the Park, Kaleidofest, North Country Fair and Winterupption. With over 20 years as a performing musican, Tzadeka has played shows from Portugal to Toronto to Vancouver, and all across Alberta; sharing bills with the likes of Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Kinnie Star, Cartel Madras, ?uestLove, Choclair, GZA, and many more.

Maigan van der Giessen (Tzadeka), is a recipient of two human rights awards (2012, 2021); the Edmonton Artist Trust Fund Award (2021); Cities on Fire was nominated for Edmonton Music Prize, Album of the Year (2021), and she was named one of Avenue Magazine's top 40 under 40 (2016).