THE ‘FREEDOM to express difficult subjects in a beautiful way’, that’s how Ayanna Witter-Johnson describes how she’s feeling about her art, craft and dedication to music at this point in her career.

The British-born second-generation Jamaican releases a brand new EP, ‘Colour War’, today.

The project captures a moment in time in Witter-Johnson musical journey, a moment of change and motion, with each of the four tracks expressing a message relating to her musical and cultural identity, as she weaves her spellbinding storytelling and virtuosic instrumentation.

Each of the four songs, including title track ‘Colour War’, ‘Are You Listening?’, ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ and ‘Sing On Nightingale’ tell a story, sending a message like a sonic portrait. 

With its heady mix of eclectic soul and classical, it is an EP with a uniquely Witter-Johnson sound and vibe, that speaks from the heart, and seeks to inspire, reflect and uplift.

Title track ‘Colour War’ reflects the injustice of colourism and feeling othered and is inspired by the events of 2020 up to now. 

The track is underscored by hope and the need to stand in your greatness, despite the challenges we face. ‘Are You Listening?’ simply asks whether our voices are being heard and are we being seen, especially as Black women. 

In a world where the black woman is forever the marginalised one, through this song Witter demands for all our sisters to be heard. 

‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ sees Witter-Johnson cover Sam Cooke’s soul classic, recognising that we’re in a time and space where, across the nations, people are pushing to fight for equality and equity. 

With that push we continue to ask, who are the people that can really bring about change? The final track ‘Sing On Nightingale’ is to inspire people to know that there is hope. Keep on singing. Just keep on.

Witter-Johnson enthused: “It is such a gift to be able to express my unique experiences as a genre-fluid Black woman in this music industry through my songs, my singing and cello playing.

“Creating this EP has given me freedom to express difficult subjects in a beautiful way, and collaborating with my band members on several of the songs has breathed new life into these precious and personal stories. I hope you enjoy listening.”

Witter-Johnson is a rare exception to the rule that classical music and eclectic soul cannot successfully coexist. A performer of extraordinary versatility, reflecting her musical prowess, mesmerising vocals, uncompromising lyrics, and ability to deftly reinterpret songs on the cello.

Ayanna’s must-see live shows are intimate journeys that chronicle her experience as a female artist in the 21st century