Ayanna Witter-Johnson

The story behind the sound

Ayanna Witter-Johnson is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist and cellist, whose latest collection showcases her unique musical signature and soundworlds through her cello (named Reuben), under the moniker Reuben & Ay. Ayanna has collaborated with artists including Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney, Andrea Bocelli and Jools Holland, and has toured with Peter Gabriel. After graduating with a first-class degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and the Manhattan School of Music, Ayanna participated in the London Symphony Orchestra’s Panufnik Young Composers Scheme. As a composer, Ayanna has been commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra, Güerzenich Orchester, Ligeti Quartet, Kronos Quartet and The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company. Ayanna has worked with producers Marc Mac (4Hero), James Yarde (Terri Walker, Jamelia, Eric Benet) and recorded with featured artists, including pianist Robert Mitchell and rapper Akala. Her TV credits include BBC One, London Live, Channel 4 (Sing It Loud: Black and Proud), BBC Proms and a stunning performance on Later…with Jools Holland, and in 2023, she received the Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef Classical Award.