Ayanna Witter-Johnson: String Sensation
The British cellist and singer talks about her rise to prominence, her famous father and plans for the future
MAKING HER MARK: Ayanna Witter-Johnson
“THIS 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, heart-breaking 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”.
