Ayanna Witter-Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ayanna Witter-Johnson |
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Witter-Johnson with cello
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| Background information | |
| Born | 1980s London, England |
| Genres | Soul, Jazz, Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, singer, songwriter, cellist, arranger, pianist and producer |
| Instruments | Cello, voice, piano |
| Labels | Hill & Gully |
Ayanna Witter-Johnson is a talented English artist. She is a composer, singer, songwriter, and cellist. She was born in London in 1985. Ayanna has performed at big events. She opened the MOBO Awards "Pre-Show" in 2016. She also played at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London in 2018.
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Ayanna Witter-Johnson's Life and Music Career
Ayanna Witter-Johnson was born in London, England. Her family has roots in Jamaica. Her mother is a teacher. Her father, Wil Johnson, is an actor. He works in television, film, and theatre.
Ayanna started playing music at a young age. She began playing the piano when she was four years old. She then picked up the cello at age 13.
Musical Education and Early Success
Ayanna studied music at a high level. She earned a top degree in Classical Composition. This was from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the UK. In 2008, she won the Trinity Laban Silver Award. She then went to America. There, she earned a master's degree in Composition. This was from the Manhattan School of Music.
While in America, Ayanna made history. In 2010, she won first place at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night. This famous competition had past winners like Ella Fitzgerald and Jimi Hendrix. Ayanna was the first non-American to win this award. She was also nominated for a MOBO award in 2012. This nomination was for "Best Jazz Act."
Performing and Collaborating with Artists
Ayanna performs both classical and modern music. She often sings while playing her cello. She describes her songwriting style as a mix of soul, hip-hop, and reggae.
She has toured with many famous artists. These include Anoushka Shankar, Courtney Pine, Andrea Bocelli, and Peter Gabriel. Ayanna has also recorded music with Akala. She has even composed music for the London Symphony Orchestra.
Ayanna finds inspiration from many people. She has mentioned Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, and Stevie Wonder. She also looks up to classical composers like Bach and Stravinsky. These inspirations have helped her to be true to herself. They encourage her to express her unique musical voice.
Awards and Recognitions
Ayanna Witter-Johnson has received several awards for her talent:
- 2008: Trinity Silver Award
- 2008: Vivian Prindl Outreach Prize
- 2010: Winner of Amateur Night Live at the Apollo Theater in Harlem
- 2011: Edward & Sally Van Lier Fund
- 2012: Shortlist nominee for "Best Jazz Act" at the MOBO Awards
Music Releases
Ayanna Witter-Johnson has released several EPs and albums:
- 2011: Truthfully (EP)
- 2014: Black Panther (EP)
- 2018: Truthfully Still (EP)
- 2019: Road Runner (Album)
- 2020: Crossroads (Single)
- 2023: Ocean Floor (Album)
