Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Singer, songwriter, cellist, arranger, composer… Ayanna’s open-hearted and eclectic sets are difficult to pigeon-hole and very difficult to forget. Her strikingly original songs blend soulful vocals, an R&B sensibility and uncompromising lyrics, while her classical trained cello playing lends intimacy and layered intricacy to her music. This intimate show features brand new material from a rare new talent ahead of the release of her debut album as well as songs she has released on her EPs - Truthfully, Black Panther & Ella, Reuben & Ay. Graduating with a first from the Laban School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, she has toured with Anoushka Shankar, Courtney Pine, recorded with Akala and composed for the London Symphony Orchestra. The twist is her winning the acclaimed amateur night at the Apollo in Harlem, gaining a MOBO award nomination and getting airplay on BBC Radio 1 & BBC 1Xtra. Able to straddle both worlds effortlessly because of her musical prowess and ability to deftly reinterpret songs on the cello. She is the definition of eclectic soul. DOORS: 7.30pm MUSIC STARTS: 8pm TICKETS: £10 on the door