Pull-Out
23 | THE VOICE JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2012
NEW MUSIC
Kelis back in the studio
NEW VOCATION
Alexandra’s life coach plan
TO CREDIT: Nasryne
String sensation
www.nasryne.4ormat.com
AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON
24 ! THE VOICE FEBRUARY 6 - 12, 2014
Cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson talks to YV’s Dionne Grant about her rise to prominence, her famous father and plans for the future
“T
HIS LADY is testament of the vast talent emerging from the UK at this time,� notes widely acclaimed DJ Gilles Peterson about the work of cellist and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. He adds: “The pressure at the top end of the music industry means that unless you can master your instrument, sing like an angel and write your own work you’re going to find it hard to reach the top! Ayanna is all these things and more.� And Peterson is right; one thing you’ll notice about Ayanna Witter-Johnson is her amazing ability to use music to skilfully connect with and move her audience. “I primarily approach my music making from a place of personal experience because for me, the emotional honesty
is what I believe people are connecting to,� she says. Describing her sound as “contemporary soul, a blend of soulful vocals, groove, heartbreaking harmony and delicate melodies,� the MOBO nominated talent has spent the past 12 months working on developing herself as a solo artist after a number of years playing in large ensembles. She explains the transition from a group to a solo star has been a “graceful one�. “It happened gradually over several years and it feels amazing to be able to share my truth directly with audiences. That process over time has allowed me to learn from other artists and to really appreciate and develop my material.� Last week, the 28-year-old released her career-defining EP Black Panther led by a single of the same name. The latter, a
beautiful acoustic track showcasing Witter-Johnson’s musical prowess, received over 12,000 hits on YouTube and was described by one commenter as a “breath of fresh air. “The Black Panther EP is a collection of soulful acoustic songs, with the voice and cello at the heart of the sound,� she explains. “There are influences from the blues as well as classically inspired string parts. “Working with a band on some of the songs meant that I could really bring out the groove in the music, which was essential to the way I wanted those songs to feel.� Although music was a part of her life from the age of four, Witter-Johnson, who cites award-winning poet Maya Angelou, jazz singer Nina Simone and black political leader Marcus Garvey as some of her influences, had aspira-
tions of becoming a French translator. However, she was drawn back to composition after leaving school, no doubt compounded by the small fact her mother was a singer and her TV actor father, Wil Johnson, who is currently in Emmerdale and Holby City, used to spin the decks. She went on to graduate from university with a first class degree in classical composition. “I feel that I have inherited an artistic gene from my dad without doubt,� she laughs. “He is overjoyed with everything that is happening with my career and is very encouraging.� Equally, Witter-Johnson says she is also “proud of all he has achieved.� “He’s amazingly talented and is always pushing to be the best that he can be in all areas of his work.� Asked which one of his projects has been her favourite to date, she answers without hesitation: “I thought he was fantastic in an independent film called Throw of a Dice.� Addressing her own personal highlights, I make mention of her becoming the only non-American to win Amateur Night Live at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York in 2010 – an impressive feat. “It was extraordinary,� she says. “Looking back, it was most certainly the best training I could have had in terms of building confidence
and understanding how to captivate and entertain a crowd. Knowing that you could be booed off stage at any moment was very scary but so exciting.� Another highlight she recalls is working with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) after composing a remix of her single, Black Panther. “I’ve always wanted to perform my music with them as they are one of the best orchestras in the world.� Although her future will involve releasing more music, the next being her follow-up EP in June “featuring some amazing collaborations�, WitterJohnson is determined to continue mentoring young people through it all. “I believe we’re all here to connect, enjoy and learn from one another. Sharing stories
ALEXANDRA BURKE:
The former X Factor winner revealed she is training to become a life coach
and experiences either through art or just verbally, is one of the ways we build relationships. So as a young person, I think it’s incredibly valuable and important to understand the paths that have already been trodden so they can make a more informed decision from a wider perspective when following their own interests,� she says. Adding: “I’m excited about 2014! I’ll be performing alongside (Indian sitar player and composer) Anoushka Shankar as part of her Traces of You World Tour and finishing my album ready for release in Spring 2015. I have some new students to mentor and I’m also going to be launching my scholarship fund for young aspiring artists.� For more information, visit www.ayannamusic.com
KELIS:
The US singer plans to release a new album in April, a follow-up to her 2010 LP
OR BUSTED? F F U B
Dear Kat,
I’ve recently stopped talking to a friend of mine because she was spreading hurtful comments about my relationship in my area. The thing is I really miss her. Crazy, right? She went around telling people that my boyfriend was gay and that she’d seen him kiss another man and that he was only with me because he wanted to get close to my brother. A trustworthy source told me about the stuff that she had been saying and I confronted her about it. She lied to my face and said that my ‘source’ was trying to start drama. We went from talking everyday to not talking for over two months. I don’t know what to do. Anon
Hi Anon,
You’re not crazy! We spend a lifetime building good friendships, so when they go down the pan, we mourn them – and rightfully so! What your friend did was wrong, there’s no doubt about it, but it might be worth trying to get down to the root of why she may have started such a vicious rumour. That’s if you think the relationship is worth saving. Maybe she was jealous that your partner was taking you away from her, or something in that vein. Have a ‘real talk’ moment with her and see what comes out of it. It will help you make a decision on where you go next with it.
LIL ZA:
It has been claimed that Justin Bieber has asked the rapper to move out of his LA mansion
BUSTED
BUFF
BEYONCE:
The singer was blasted by parents after her risquĂŠ performance at The Grammys
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AMBER ROS
Gorgeous in gold.
E: Konan
MARVIN HUMES
THE VOICE FEBRUARY 6 - 12, 2014 ! 25
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