Ewa Kaarela, who graduated as a percussionist from the Katowice Conservatory in Poland, made her way to Finland in 1974. Here she started performing as a drummer and singer, but has since focused purely on the duties of a vocal soloist. She currently lives in Pirkkala.

Kaarela's gained success in numerous singing competitions. Her merit list includes second place in the 1991 Tapsan Tähti competition, second place in the 1999 Lady Summertime jazz competition and 2001 first place in the Senior Singing competition. Over the years, the various jazz events in Finland have become familiar to Kaarela. She has been seen on television, among other things, in the extremely popular Bumtsibum quiz. The singer visits as a soloist in various ensembles such as Nokia Big Band, Poriginal Quartet and Andalusia Swing Band, and collaborates with e.g. with Pentti Lasanen, Antti Sarpila, Claes Andersson and Seppo Hovi.

Kaarela also leads her own Ewa Kaarela Swing Band, made up of versatile musicians. The band has become familiar to the Finnish public by performing at jazz festivals such as Pori Jazz, Ruska Swing, Kouvola Dixi, Otava Jazz and Baltic Jazz. The band is actively touring.