Ayanna Witter-Johnson // Mahogany Session

I grew up… in a very supportive and nurturing household in North London.

Now you can find me… in a transatlantic tug-of-war between New York City and London.

It all started when… I started piano lessons at 4 years old and continued when I went to see a friend host a jam session at the Jazz Café in Camden just after my A-levels.

If I’m not in the studio or on stage, you’ll find me… practicing my French with anyone who can speak it or hip-hop/commercial dancing at my favourite weekly class!

I can’t perform unless I have… at least 60% of my physical health.

If I could take one CD with me on holiday right now it would be… SBTRKT’s SBTRKT.

The one gig I’ll never forget… is performing with the Kronos Quartet at Wilton’s Music Hall at the end of their Awakenings Tour in the UK earlier this year.

I’m not really into progressive metal but I do like To-Mera.

I wish I hadn’t… let fear motivate some of my decision-making.

My most treasured possession… is Reuben, my beloved cello.

My favourite festival… is WOMAD.  The artists are authentic, diverse and there’s such a great family vibe.

My favourite piece of clothing… are my purple fingerless gloves.

It makes me happy when… people find an inner peace and are able to accept themselves as well as others.  It’s a bonus too if they can pursue their passions and share that love to the positive benefit of others.

It makes me sad when… the ego takes over.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt… it’s that people grow, change is inevitable and that most powerful thing we have is NOW.

If you’re new to my music, I’d suggest listening to ‘Ain’t I A Woman?’ first… as it’s the song that has taken me on the most diverse musical journey.  From working with 8-11 years in a 12 week workshop, to being the first non-American to win the Amateur Night Live at the Apollo Theater in Harlem competition, and to recording and performing with the Kronos Quartet.  It was originally a speech given in 1851 by Sojourner Truth at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio.

My most recent release is… ‘Truthfully’ (EP) produced by MarcMac by 4Hero and my next release will be my debut album in January 2013.

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