In our Alumni Spotlight series, we celebrate the journeys of artists who have been part of our programmes and find out what they’re up to. This month, we shine the spotlight on Arowah, a visionary composer and artist who was part of our New Voices Programme in 2022.
Arowah is a multifaceted artist known for their fluidity across various genres, including jazz, punk, experimental, classical, disco, and dance. Their work is deeply rooted in the role of an artist as a philosopher, community builder, and healer, seeing their work as a meditation on the intersection of the social and the spiritual.
In 2022, Arowah was selected for New Voices, an 18-month artist development programme that provided coaching, mentoring, and funding for composers and music creators to develop new works. It was succeeded by our new flagship programme, In Motion, in 2024.
She credits Sound and Music and the New Voices programme for helping them gain a shift in perspective. Most evident in recent projects, including their incredibly moving debut album, B.H.A.M. (Black History Arts Movement), which was released on February 12th.
“Sound and Music was part of my journey towards seeing myself more as a composer and artist rather than just a performing musician.”
— Arowah
B.H.A.M album cover © Arowah
B.H.A.M
Inspired by Robin D. G. Kelley’s book ‘Freedom Dreams’, B.H.A.M. tells the stories of forgotten freedom struggles, honoring the ancestors and drawing lessons from history.
The album features a diverse ensemble of UK and US-based jazz musicians, including Jay Phelps on trumpet, Romarna Campbell on drums, Lorenz Okello-Osengor on keyboards, and Gary Washington on cello. Guest vocalists include Sheena on S.O.U.L. and S0lar on S.T.A.R., with spoken word contributions from notable activists and academics.
The group has performed at Jazz Refreshed and been part of the Racial Justice Network’s National Gathering Exhibition, receiving extensive radio support across platforms like BBC Radio 3, Soho Radio, and KEXP.
Praise for B.H.A.M.
B.H.A.M. has received widespread acclaim for its powerful and soulful music:
- Robin D.G. Kelley, Activist, Chair of US History, UCLA, Author of Freedom Dreams & Thelonious Monk’s Biography:
“This record is so hot my ears are on fire!”
- Terri Lyne Carrington, Multi-Grammy winning drummer & composer, Artistic Director at Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Studies:
“B.H.A.M. is a beautiful and soulful sonic mosaic of history, dreams, nostalgia, aspirations, love, and freedom – a chronicling of what has been and imaginings of what can be. Representing many shades of Black, it is a multi-national amalgam, unified by sound expressions from the diaspora with a critical gaze guided by Black feminist thought. Well produced, action packed, and contemplative – an outing worthy of attention!”
- Angel Bat Dawid, Composer, multi-instrumentalist, activist educator, NTS DJ:
“What a beautifully important album; it was a truly divine experience to listen to. The depth of fervor, intention, and the powerful grooves & arrangements are exceptionally remarkable. The message and vibes are particularly needed in these times. Black History Arts Movement is truly blessed and highly favored!”
- Dr. Gary Crosby OBE, Co-Founder & Artistic Director of Tomorrow’s Warriors:
“Arowah had to make this album driven by the need to express through this sometimes strange and beautiful artistic statement – the value of caring for our planet, our humanity, our arts and music. A brave artist.”
- Tony Minvielle, DJ, curator, writer & broadcaster on Jazz FM:
“This project is a beautiful fusion of prose and music which highlights perfectly our struggles and triumphs as people who are darker than blue. Loved it from beginning to end.”
- Andrew Ibi, Artist, Activist, Curator, Educator:
“An exhilarating chapter of music, crafted and performed with reflection, sensitivity and spirit. B.H.A.M is a culturally relevant and dynamic album drawing conceptually on notable Black arts and political movements from the past, whilst delivering a soundscape for our times.”
- Racial Justice Network, activist organisation:
“We were truly captivated.”
Recent projects
Arowah has been recognised as a 25 for 25 composer for BBC Radio 3 and was commissioned to write a piece for the BBC Concert Orchestra. They have been named a Royal Philharmonic Composer for 2024, with their composition premiering at Wigmore Hall.
Additionally, Arowah has received commissions from Hildegard and the University of Michigan, with works set to premiere at National Sawdust in New York and the Rockefeller New Carillon Music Festival in Chicago.
Arowah continues to push boundaries with their innovative compositions and community-driven projects. Their work embodies the spirit of healing justice and community alchemy, reflecting on the past while shaping the future.
Join us in shaping the future of new music
We are the UK’s national charity for new music and are proud to have supported Arowah, whose journey highlights the impact of artist development programmes like New Voices and In Motion. These programmes empower composers to explore and share their unique voices with the world.
If you believe in the power of new music to inspire change, please consider supporting us. Your donation makes new music possible.
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