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 an amazing English musician. She is a composer, singer, songwriter, and plays the cello. She was born in London in the 1980s. Ayanna has performed at some really cool places. For example, she opened the "Pre-Show" for the MOBO Awards in 2016. She also played at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London in 2018.
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Ayanna's Musical Journey
Ayanna Witter-Johnson grew up in London, England. Her family has roots in Jamaica. Her mom is a teacher, and her dad, Wil Johnson, is an actor. Ayanna started playing the piano when she was just four years old. Later, when she was 13, she began learning the cello.
Becoming a Musician
Ayanna studied music at two top schools. First, she earned a degree in Classical Composition in the UK. She even won an award there in 2008. After that, she went to the Manhattan School of Music in the USA.
In 2010, while in America, Ayanna did something incredible. She won first place at the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. This theater has hosted legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Jimi Hendrix! Ayanna was the first person who wasn't American to win this competition. She shared first place, which was a huge achievement. In 2012, she was also nominated for a MOBO award for "Best Jazz Act."
Her Unique Music Style
Ayanna Witter-Johnson performs both classical and modern music. What's really special is that she sings while playing the cello! She describes her songwriting 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. She has also recorded music with the rapper Akala. Plus, she has composed music for the amazing London Symphony Orchestra.
Ayanna gets her inspiration from many different people. She looks up to artists and thinkers like Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Bach, Stevie Wonder, and Jill Scott. She says they encourage her to be herself and write from her heart.
Awards and Achievements
Ayanna has won 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 Albums and EPs
Here are some of Ayanna's music releases:
- 2011: Truthfully (EP)
- 2014: Black Panther (EP)
- 2018: Truthfully Still (EP)
- 2019: Road Runner (Album)
- 2020: Crossroads (Single)
- 2023: Ocean Floor (Album)
