Visa Oscar, born Visa-Pekka Oskari Mertanen in 1976 (Doctor of Music, DMus), is a Finnish keyboardist, composer, and producer whose work bridges the realms of jazz fusion, world music, and pop. With over thirty years of professional experience, he has established himself as a dynamic force in the Finnish music scene. He is known for his innovative approach to synthesizer improvisation and genre-blending compositions.

Oscar began his academic journey with doctoral studies in jazz at the Sibelius Academy. He wrote his Doctoral Thesis titled Perspectives on Jazz Synthesizer Improvisation: Analyzing Recorded Solos by Jan Hammer, Joe Zawinul, George Duke, Chick Corea, and Michael Brecker in 2025. In 2022, he released his second album, Looking Back, Reaching Forward, under Sibis Jazz and Sony Music Entertainment Finland. This album honors jazz fusion legends like Chick Corea and Joe Zawinul. It features collaborations with well-known musicians such as Dave Weckl, Carlitos Del Puerto, and Rafael Barata. The project highlights Oscar’s deep exploration of synthesizer techniques and jazz improvisation, blending traditional sounds with modern influences.

His debut album, Fusion Treatment (2015), introduced the Visa Oscar Group’s vibrant fusion jazz style, characterized by rhythmic complexity and melodic richness. The album received acclaim for its fresh take on the genre and highlighted Oscar’s skills as a composer and keyboardist. 

Beyond his solo projects, Visa Oscar is a member of the Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble, a band that fuses West African rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul. Since its inception in 2012, the ensemble has performed in over 23 countries, released multiple albums, and captured audiences worldwide. 

Oscar’s versatility extends to various collaborations, including the electronica duo Binary Boyz and the operatic EDM project Opera Skaala. His composition “Heart of Light,” co-produced for Opera Skaala, secured third place in Finland’s UMK15 Eurovision selection. 

In addition to his performance and production work, Oscar is dedicated to education and research. He is an hourly-based teacher at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, sharing his expertise with aspiring musicians. 

Visa Oscar’s multifaceted career reflects a commitment to musical innovation and cross-cultural collaboration, gradually solidifying his status as a respected professional in the Finnish music scene.