TALENT: AYANNA
BUZZING FROM her debut performance at In Celebration Of My Sisters on Mother’s Day at Fairfield Hall, cello player AYANNA Witter-Johnson beams with beauty, joy and grace, describing her talent to play music as “a gift from God” as she speaks exclusively to Life&Style.
A living reflection of the definition of her name – AYANNA which means beautiful flower, Witter-Johnson was raised by her musically talented Jamaican parents. Her mother sang in the choir and her TV actor father, Wil Johnson, who is currently in Emmerdale and Holby City used to spin the decks.
“Music has always been a part of my life,” said the 27-year-old who last year worked as the co orchestrator for Urban Classic with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with N-Dubz leading producer Fazer and top UK urban artists Ms Dynamite, Skepta and Delvin.
“My dad used to deejay and my mother was always singing plus she plays the violin and piano. I am the perfect mixture of my parents in terms of musical approach and ideals,” she says with pride.
Explaining how her love affair started with the cello, Witter-Johnson, the eldest out of three brothers and six sisters, said: “I learnt to play the cello 14 years ago in secondary school.
“I was advised to learn another instrument away from the piano because I played so well and chose the cello because of my hands – they are big,” she chuckles.“My hands were perfectly designed for the cello.”
Citing Nina Simone as one of her musical influences, Witter-Johnson revealed she had a great teacher, who inspired her and encouraged her to succeed.
“I would play the cello all the time - every minute of the day. I fell in love with my new instrument and enjoyed learning to play because I found the transition from piano very easy because I could read music from an early age.”
Often compared to the likes of Alicia Keys, the Aries musician said: “I have always sung because music is my life and I cannot imagine my life without it.
“I feel my voice is my newest instrument because it’s the one that has taken me on an experiential journey. I see my voice as my first instrument and then I accompany myself with my cello and piano.”
A former student of Henrietta Barnett School, Witter-Johnson read music at Trinity College of Music, which fed her classical enthusiasm. However, she later decided to jump ship and sail Stateside in search of more musical variety, culture and adventure in the Big Apple, where she attended Manhattan School of Music.
“When I applied to go to school in America I did not tell anybody because I did not think at the time that I would get in but obviously God’s plan was so different.”
Successful in her application, Witter-Johnson was awarded a full scholarship, which later opened up greater doors than she could have ever imagined.
“I lived as a student in New York for two years, which was amazing and during that time my friend encouraged me to audition for Amateur Night At The Apollo at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
“Initially I was reluctant to enter the competition and audition but I was successful and won, making history as the only non-American to be crowned winner of the Amateur Night,” she explained.
Still amazed by her experience, Witter-Johnson adds: “Winning the competition gave me the grand opportunity to sit beside one of my music ‘sheros’ Gladys Knight during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was unbelievable. I still pinch myself until this day.”
“I was sitting next to Ms Knight, Kanye West was behind me and India Arie was in front of me. It was so surreal. I kept thinking at the time, if I have a tenth of Ms Knight’s legacy that would be incredible. I was in complete awe. Meeting Gladys Knight truly inspired me to keep dreaming and to develop my stage craft as a performer.”
Determined to succeed when she returned to the UK, Witter-Johnson saw every opportunity as a platform to promote her music.
“I began gigging everywhere and I also recorded my EP with Marc Mac from 4 Hero, which received really good air play. Since coming back from America, my music has gone from strength to strength,” she says.
Composing all her songs as well as writing for others, Witter-Johnson describes her sound as “contemporary soul” in celebration of musicians such as Mozart, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and Bob Marley.
“I am very much turned on by life and people. I dedicate a lot of my songs to people because I write songs for people and about people,” AYANNA explained.
Revealing it was her song about one of her icons - Sojourner Truth, that made her win at The Apollo, Witter-Johnson continued: “I love bringing to life historical figures.
“Songs that motivate and hold meaning. The words of Sojourner Truth have always encouraged me to aspire so I used one of her famous speeches and adapted the lyrics to make a song. I believe that music should always make change.”
Away from performing, the Afrohair soulstress mentors several youngsters, sharing her skills and life experiences to guide teens at Amos Bursary (Baroness Amos charity, which helps boys from African & Caribbean origin realise their full potential) and Kuumba, (a youth musical organisation).
A strong believer of the proverb ‘each one, teach one’ she adds: “I want to be an ambassador for voices that don’t get heard. I want to be a voice for change.”
Preparing for her next performance on April 15 at I Luv Live at the XOYO Club, Shoreditch and working on her long-term goals and aspirations, Witter-Johnson tells L&S that her vision is to build an authentic, artistic career as an artist, which includes writing songs and music not just for her to perform but for other musicians; collaborating and writing for film, theatre and dance. “I cannot wait until my dream becomes a reality and I am able to go on a world tour inviting fellow artists I have worked with along the way to join me.”