Category: News
manchesterΒ jazz festival and ForsythΒ MusicΒ ShopΒ have joined forces once again for theΒ mjf2026 piano trail competition toΒ findΒ ManchesterβsΒ hidden talents across aΒ trail ofΒ 18Β street pianosΒ β the largest piano trail in the UK –Β at locations across Manchester city centreΒ and beyond into Greater Manchester.Β Β
FromΒ 29Β MarchΒ βΒ 31Β May, theΒ mjfΒ piano trailΒ competitionΒ encourages everyone to get creative andΒ justΒ have fun. AndΒ for those who want to take part,Β thereβsΒ a chance to enter a competition to win a YamahaΒ digitalΒ piano and many more prizes!Β Β
There will be two ‘celebrity’ pianos from the BBC joining the piano trail this year.Β They’veΒ been in BBC Radio studios for decades and have been played by lots of famous people and bands, mostΒ recentlyΒ the VerveΒ andΒ Rufus WainrightΒ andΒ back in the day, PaulΒ McCartneyΒ and David Bowie!Β Β
THE LAUNCHΒ
WeβreΒ delighted to announce thatΒ Emma Loat, Manager of Forsyth Music Shop,Β willΒ launchΒ the mjf2026Β piano trailΒ competition,Β whichΒ will take placeΒ fromΒ 2-3pm onΒ SundayΒ 29Β MarchΒ atΒ Trafford Palazzo,Β in recognition ofΒ International Piano Day.Β The launch will featureΒ aΒ live performanceΒ fromΒ local singer-songwriterΒ Charlie CooperΒ and other guestsΒ to be announced soon onΒ manchesterΒ jazz festivalβs social media channels.Β Β
PRIZESΒ
The prizes up for grabs so far are:Β
- YamahaΒ Digital PianoΒ
- HOME Bar & Kitchen:Β Two course meal for two (including bottle of wine/soft drinks)Β
- mjfΒ friendsβ membershipΒ and ticketsΒ to an mjf2027 event of their choiceΒ
- Oldham gift card
- PlusΒ more to be announcedΒ
PLAY IT FORWARD: STREET PIANO FUNDΒ
manchesterΒ jazz festival and Forsythβs Music Shop are joining forces to fundraise for aΒ BIGGERΒ and better piano trail with theirΒ Play it Forward: Street Piano FundΒ campaign;Β toΒ maintain andΒ expand the current network of street pianos toΒ reach new venues, boroughs and communities across Greater Manchester all year round.Β To find out more and how you can support,Β pleaseΒ visit:Β www.manchesterjazz.com/playitforwardΒ Β
PIANO TRAIL WALKING TOURSΒ
After three years of sold-out tours, the piano trail walking tours are back! Join Josh from Free Manchester Walking Tours (FWMT) and his band, Sherpa K, as they followΒ manchesterΒ jazz festivalβs famous piano trail across the city centre onΒ Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 MayΒ (Β£12 per adult, children go free). There will also beΒ live performances at some of the pianos on the trail, more information to be announced soon.Β Β
HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITIONΒ
To be in with a chance of winning a prize, simply capture a short video of your tune, 5 minutes max, and post the video to your social media account (*not as a story). The competition closes at midnight on 31 May 2026. TagΒ mjfΒ @manchesterjazzfestival on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok and use the hashtagΒ #mjfpianotrailΒ
There are no rulesΒ regardingΒ who can apply, just haveΒ funΒ and get creative! At the end of the piano trail,Β mjfΒ and Forsythβs will select all winners, whose entries will beΒ showcasedΒ on social media and YouTube.Β
VisitΒ manchesterjazz.com/pianotrailΒ to find out more about the piano trail, the walking tours and how to take part in the competition.Β
TheΒ mjfΒ piano trail competition is delivered in partnership with the world-renowned Forsyth Music Shop of Deansgate and Yamaha pianos and is part ofΒ manchesterΒ jazz festival (mjf2026) which will take place at 12 venues across and beyond Manchester city centre fromΒ 15 – 24 May 2026. VisitΒ manchesterjazz.comΒ for more information and to book tickets.Β
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:Β βThis city-region has music running through its veins, andΒ theΒ mjfΒ piano trail will take music back out onto the streets of Manchester, giving more people the chance to try their hand at playing and toΒ encounterΒ the vibrant music of our city in aΒ really uniqueΒ way.βΒ
Emma Loat, Manager of Forsythβs Music, said:Β βFor many years,Β weβveΒ had a street piano at the front of the Forsythβs shop onΒ Deansgate,Β so we know that Manchester and the surrounding areas is full of talented musicians and those willing to have a go.Β WeβreΒ really excitedΒ to supply 18Β pianos to a growing number of venues for theΒ mjfΒ piano trail andΒ weβdΒ urge all those budding performers to come forward, have a go and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.βΒ
JamesΒ SargeantΒ fromΒ Yamaha, one of this yearβs piano trail sponsors, said:Β βWe are thrilled to be working with theΒ manchesterΒ jazzΒ festival again this year in support of theΒ mjfΒ pianoΒ trail 2026. This fantastic initiative enables anyone and everyone to enjoy playing and listening to the piano, in some iconic locations across the city and of course, with the chance to win a Yamaha digital piano this is not an opportunity to be missed! We look forward to hearing lots of new talent which will no doubtΒ emergeΒ during the trail.βΒ
The 18 piano locations are:Β Piccadilly Station, Manchester Arndale, HOME, Victoria Station, Great Northern, Spinningfields, Royal Exchange Arcade, Central Library, Forsyth Music Shop, Aviva Studios, Manchester Art Gallery, Salford Shopping Centre, Trafford Palazzo, Grand Arcade (Wigan), The Market at Spindles Shopping Centre (Oldham), Portland Basin Museum (Ashton-under-Lyne), Heywood Market (Rochdale) and Middleton Arena (Rochdale).Β
FollowΒ manchesterΒ jazz festival:
Facebook atΒ /manchesterjazzfestival
InstagramΒ @manchesterjazzfestival
TikTokΒ @manchesterjazzfestival
Hashtag for piano trail:Β #mjfpianotrailΒ
For further information, high resolution images or to arrange interviews please contact:Β Jeni Illingworth
Special thanksΒ to Forsythβs for their support with theΒ mjf2026Β piano trail andΒ to Yamaha pianos for supplying the grand prize of aΒ YamahaΒ digitalΒ piano,Β and toΒ theΒ Free Manchester Walking Tours for collaborating withΒ mjfΒ for this yearβs trail.Β Β
Today, across social media, we are marking International Womenβs Day by sharing, celebrating and honouring ALL of our female-identifying artists taking to the stage for mjf2026. As the UKβs first festival signatory to Keychange, mjf has a long history of gender balance and representation throughout its work: not just in each festival line-up, but in our talent programmes, mjf staff, board, and in our approach to making the jazz sector a fairer place to work and enjoy music. We are proud to programme some of the best contemporary femaleβidentifyingΒ starsΒ spanning all agesΒ acrossΒ the jazz industry.Β Click here to view our full lineup.
But alongside all this, weβve been fortunate to sit down and delve deeper into the craft of two of our most unique artists taking to the stage this year: Delphine Joussein (Nout) and Satnam Galsian. From a variety of different backgrounds, each artistsβ work contains strong international links.Β Read on to learn a little more about their work, influences and advice for the next generation..
1.) For an audience that might not be familiar with your sound, how would you describe it?Β
Instrumental and organised chaos with punk energy. Come with your ears and heart wide open. Maybe with some good shoes too π
2.) Your music is described as ‘the border of jazz and noise’? Could you share how you came to create and establish your sound? What influences shaped the music?Β
We come from jazz, classical, grunge, rock, noise music. We love to listen to many other aesthetics and they are all a part of us. What we do with our instruments is our personal vision of the sound, of the music, of the world :)… of what we believe looks the most like us.
3.) This is your UK debut! What are you most looking forward to on your trip?Β
A UK debut! YEAAAH UK!
4.) What can a Manchester audience expect from your gig? Maybe a mosh-pit?Β
A mosh-pit happened in France, so it may happen in Manchester…who knows! We hope that a Manchester audience will freely live their own experiences of the concert, that’s the best we can wish them.
5.) If you had one piece of advice for an early career female artist on the beginning of her journey with jazz, what would it be? Β
Be yourself and never give that up!
Nout will play Band on the Wall: The Copper Bar, Saturday 23 May @ 10 PM.Β Get your tickets HERE.
1.) Could you introduce yourself & your music to our audiences?Β
I’m a folk singer-songwriter from Leeds. I studied North Indian classical music for years – it’s similar to jazz in that there is a lot of improvisation in it! Through my music I explore both Punjabi & Western folk songs. I realised that Punjabi folk songs, in particular, come from a patriarchal point of view so, I like to reimagine them from a different perspective which is more empowering for women.
2.) What are you most excited for with this commission?Β
I’m looking forward to working on this commission with the manchester jazz festival, Oldham Coliseum as part of their Kushi Festival and the Old Courts in Wigan. My piece is called ‘Love or Sacrifice’ and I will be looking at the roles and expectations of women in South Asian Culture using punjabi folk tales as a starting point. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with artists from different musical backgrounds.
3.) If you had one piece of advice for an early career female artist on the beginning of her journey with jazz, what would it be? Β
I would tell them to stay true to themselves, be authentic and take up space.
Satnam will play Aviva Studios: The Home of Factory International, Sunday 24 May @ 5 PM. Free entry, learn more HERE.
Manchester! Did you miss us? #mjf2026 has landed, with our full line-up now announced and on sale via Eventbrite.
βTheΒ mjfΒ programme is always a melting pot of ideas,Β peoplesΒ and intentions. The umbrella term of jazz itself can imply something definitive about its sounds and styles, butΒ IβdΒ like to think that atΒ mjf, artists and audiences are positively encouraged to ignore any boundaries and focus on the magic of experiencing creative music-making in the moment.Β ItβsΒ the pursuit of this magic that drives our programming more than anything, whether it be an international band on their UK debut, a cherished localΒ artistΒ or a respected headliner. AndΒ itβsΒ that magic that I hope our listenersΒ encounter on their many musical discoveries throughout the festival this year.β
– Steve Mead, Artistic Director
Hot off the heels of our 30th anniversary bumper edition, mjf returns for the 31st year! Continuing our pledge to present the very best contemporary, genre-fusing jazz from across the North (Olivia Cuttill and Friends Play the Legends of Jazz, Dilettante, Lara Jones and Rory A Green), the wider UK (China Moses, Bel Cobain, Andy Sheppard and Seed.) and beyond (Nout and Lau Noah), read on to discover more!Β
And, back by popular demand, we’ll see this years’ festival out with our celebratory mjf wrap party featuring. Ed Kainyek Quartet, taking place at the ultimate late night venue, Matt & Phreds. In addition, this years’ partnership with Oldham Coliseum Theatre (Her Revelation/Lullaby Sonic Cradle and Vipertime) will see an expansion into the Oldham borough as we welcome two new venues to our lineup: Whittles and George Street Chapel.Β
Click here to find out more below and browse our full line-upΒ here.
Opening Weekender: mjf@First Street
Our free opening weekender celebrates the breadth and individuality of our home-grown scene: bands from, or with a strong connection to, the north. Itβs also about shining the spotlight on artists whoβve journeyed through some of our talent development programmes in recent years.Β
As well as some of the northβs leading artists gracing our Main Stage (Orchestra Mambo International, mjf favourite Charlie Cooper & The CCs and David Kayode)Β on Friday and Saturday, you can check out some of the northern bands from ourΒ SoundcheckΒ andΒ hothouseΒ artist development programmes on theΒ AskΒ Garden StageΒ (Thanda Gumede and Friends, Femme De La Femme and Lara Jones). Plus don’t miss our collaboration with the Manchester Folk Festival, as we welcome, Heather Ferrier and her trio.Β
On Sunday we partner withΒ Jazz North for the return of the Northern Line showcase: weβll present the five acts selected by industry experts for their 2026 artist roster (Rory A Green, SwanNek, Hang Linton, Rivkala and Ancient Infinity Orchestra).Β
And, with the return of our family friendly lineup, on Saturday morning, there truly is something for everyone!
Celebrating Centenaries and More…
It wouldnβt be mjf without paying homage to jazz legends that have shaped and influenced many of our most celebrated artists today.
Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste will reunite to present: Legacy – Coltrane and Cannonball – a powerful new project exploring the legendary partnership of Julian βCannonballβ Adderley and John Coltrane.
Olivia Cuttill and Friends play the Legends of Jazz: 2026Β marksΒ the centenary ofΒ a host ofΒ jazz legendsΒ –Β Miles Davis, John Coltrane, RayΒ BrownΒ andΒ manyΒ others, whoΒ builtΒ a formative jazz repertoire that still resonates with musicians and listeners today.Β For this intimate and unamplified concert inΒ ForsythβsΒ historicΒ piano showroom,Β theΒ sparkling Olivia leads aΒ quintet of fast-rising starsΒ throughΒ aΒ selectionΒ ofΒ landmarkΒ 50s and 60s be-bopΒ tunesΒ made famous by those icons, fromΒ albums such asΒ Kind of Blue,Β Giant Steps,Β Milestones…
Only at mjf
Continuing our commitment to developing new work, mjfs’ commissions have always been a staple of our lineup. This year, in collaboration with Oldham Coliseum Theatre and The Old Courts, Wigan, we are presenting, Satnam Galsian: Love or Sacrifice.
A groundbreaking British Asian singer-songwriter and progressive folk artist whose music blends the rich tradition of Punjabi folk with contemporary, feminist storytelling. Through her distinctive sound, Satnam reimagines the vibrant narratives of her heritage, responding to traditional Punjabi songs through a modern and empowering lens.Β
Plus explosive, effervescent French trio, Nout, will make their UK debut and Catalonian virtuoso guitarist, Lau Noah will make her Manchester debut. Catch both over at Band on the Wall across our final closing weekend.Β
Best Genre Fusing ActsΒ
A return to the intimate surroundings of Low Four Studio will welcome Tom Cawley’s, enormous soundscapes, rhythmic mayhem, harmonic lushness and spontaneous moments of magic coupled with Sarsen Drift, the brainchild of mjf favourites, Rebecca Nash and Nick Walters, joining forces to celebrate the mutual appreciation of electronica and jazz, in this double bill.Β
Don’t miss fast-rising star, Bel Cobain: an enigmatic songstress hailing from the heart of East London, she evokes a mystique reminiscent of musical luminaries Pink Floyd and Kate Bush.
Our return to Factory International brings a pop twist to the programme as we introduce Dilettante. The brainchild of Francesca Pidgeon, she has supported the likes of Caribou, Self Esteem and Philip Selway (Radiohead) with her intricately looped sax and fuzzy guitar riffs.Β
Click here to discover our full festival lineup.
We canβt wait to welcome you!
First time attending a jazz gig? β Click here to this handy articleΒ and it will let you know what all the fuss is about!
The Jazz Promotion Network aims to advance and support professional development, information exchange and partnership opportunities for the UK & Irish jazz industry, artists and audiences. It’s a collaborative network that enables the diverse UK & Irish jazz sector to thrive, innovate and inspire. Their conference took place in Cardiff, Wales on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th November, hosting 207 musicians, educators, students, promoters and other jazz professionals.Β Β Jointly hosted byΒ Cardiff University Music DepartmentΒ and theΒ Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD), the conference achieved the highest attendance numbers to date, including many first-time delegates.Β One of those 207 was our budding Youth Advisory Board Member, Finn Muir-Cochrane. Discover how he found his time below.Β
“This was my first time at the Jazz Promotion Network conference, and at the start I definitely felt a bit out of my depth. There were people in the room who have been shaping festivals and venues for years, and it was hard not to be aware of that. But quite quickly I realised how small the jazz world can be β I kept spotting people Iβd met through mjf or crossed paths with in different projects. That familiarity made the space feel a lot more approachable.
What I appreciated most was how open the conversations were. People spoke honestly about the challenges theyβre facing, as well as the things theyβre excited about. Nothing felt polished or overly formal. Whatever the topic was, there was a sense that people genuinely wanted to share experiences and learn from each other.
There was also a clear willingness to collaborate. Promoters, venues, artists, and organisers all seemed interested in supporting one another, rather than protecting their own corners. As someone attending on behalf of the mjf Youth Advisory Board, it was encouraging to see that younger voices can fit naturally into those discussions. It didnβt feel like trying to break into a closed room β more like joining a community thatβs figuring things out together.
What struck me most across the day was how each session felt like a small window into the tensions and possibilities shaping the future of jazz β and how often those conversations circled back to people, power, and access.I kept noticing the points that echoed questions we ask in our meetings: Who gets in? Who gets heard? And who decides?
What Iβm Bringing Back to mjf
Sitting through the sessions, I kept thinking about how the ideas being discussed could shape the work we do on the mjf Youth Advisory Board. A lot of the conversations β especially around programming, inclusivity, and grassroots support β made me rethink what it means to open doors for people rather than just talk about it in theory.
The programming session reminded me how many artists never make it past the first stage of being seen. The idea of working more closely with venues feels relevant to us too. They know which emerging artists are building real connections with their communities, and they often spot talent long before any formal application process does.
The inclusivity session had the strongest impact. Learning about βPenguin Pebblingβ gave me a practical way to think about how we create space for neurodivergent young people. Not everyone thrives in loud or fast-moving networking environments, and we donβt have to pretend that they do. Small gestures, quieter introductions, and slower ways of building trust might help more young people feel comfortable getting involved with us.
The panelβs advice about reaching out to Black-led organisations and grassroots groups also stayed with me. It was a reminder that diversity doesnβt happen by waiting for people to arrive. It happens when you go to where people already are, listen properly, and build relationships rather than expecting communities to find you. This feels like a clear next step for the Youth Advisory Board β not a big statement, but a practical shift in how we meet people.
In all of these conversations, I could see ways for the Youth Advisory Board to become more open, more representative, and more responsive to the realities young people face. It feels less like adding new tasks and more like adjusting the way we approach the work we already care about.
Closing Thoughts
Leaving the conference, I felt a mix of realism and optimism. The conversations made it clear that the industry is facing genuine challenges β around access, decision-making, resources and representation β and no one pretended otherwise. But what also came through strongly was a willingness to talk honestly about these problems, rather than avoid them or dress them up.
I saw people who care about the future of jazz and are trying to make meaningful changes, even if the pace is uneven. Some areas are moving forward β more awareness around inclusive practice, more interest in working collaboratively, and a clearer understanding of how structural issues affect artists and communities. At the same time, there are places where progress is still slow, particularly when it comes to who holds power and whose voices are listened to.
As someone coming in as a younger representative, it was helpful to see both sides of this. Itβs encouraging to know that many people in the sector genuinely want things to improve, but itβs also important to recognise where intentions havenβt yet turned into action. That balance feels necessary if weβre going to keep pushing things in a better direction for arts in the UK and Ireland.
Finn is a member of our youth advisory board, helping to shape the future of our festival. Learn more about the work they do here.Β
Planning on coming along to our FREE opening weekend at First Street? But not sure what to do with the children? Well, there’s something on offer for everyone this festival season, as we proudly introduce our jammed-packed family-friendly lineup of activities. All events will take place on the morning of 17th May and are free to access. Read on to discover more.
South African born Thanda Gumede is an award-winning vocalist and a multi-disciplinary artist of dual Zulu and Xhosa heritage, hailing from Durban, in South Africa. Β His performance on the Ask Garden Stage will include a very special appearance from the Olympias choir, made up of families and young people from the Olympias music group.
Join us for a playful, thematic take on an adult yoga class – for all the family! With creative movement, breathwork, stretching, and a little relaxation. No experience neededβjust bring your energy and a smile!
Suggested age 3+ family friendly yoga, all abilities welcome.
Click here to register for a free Yoga with Gilly ticket.β
Z – Arts presents ‘Adventures in Wonderland’ β
Curiouser and curiouser?
Created by Z-arts in partnership withΒ Macmillan Childrenβs Books, step into Aliceβs shoes and have your very own magicalΒ Adventure in Wonderland, celebrating 160 years of Alice. An enchanting play experience which invites children and families to explore Wonderland, using imagination to create their own fantastical adventure. Β β
βFree, no booking required.
Manchester-based Little Groovers is an award-winning mixed-age music session for babies and young children under the age of 7. Each fun-filled session is led by a trained musician. Sing, play gorgeous percussion instruments and listen to live performance. A huge parachute, tactile props, scarves, ribbons and bubbles make each session a fun, interactive and engaging musical experience. Learn through music about counting, rhythm, taking turns and practising social skills.
βFree, no booking required.Β
Plant MCR presents ‘Make Your Own Meadow’
Join Plant Co-operative for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop where you’ll sow your very own mini wildflower meadow in a pot to take home with you, perfect for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even night-time navigators like moths!Β
βFree, no booking required.
Forget modern medicineβThe Doctors of Music are here with a bold new prescription: jazz! Convinced that music can cure what ails you, this group of rogue doctors is taking their unconventional methods to test on an unsuspecting public.
Expect a show thatβs as unpredictable as it is entertaining. The βdoctorsβ will call on audience members to join them on stage, roaming the crowd, handing out instruments like prescriptions, or performing spontaneous musical assessments on their new-found patients.
The family-friendly activities will take place at our free opening weekend on the morning of the 17th May. Participation is free, operating on a first come first served basis. They have been kindly supported by Ask Real Estate.
“On the 25th of February at Aviva Studios, mjf’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) held their first industry talks with mjf director Steve Mead.
Their objective was to gain more insight into the live music industry, specifically about the different aspects and roles within festivals, mjfβs beginnings, the changes to the roles and challenges over the years, and most importantly: the mistakes. While the YAB members prepared various engaging questions for Steve, the audience was equally attentive and enthusiastic as the event progressed into a Q&A.
Steve provided everyone with a lot of advice that doesn’t only apply to the path of establishing oneself professionally, but also in life. For example, when asked about what advice he would have given his younger self, after a reflective pause he simply replied, βBe yourself.β In a world that expects so much of everyone, especially young people, it was refreshing to be told to stay authentic to ourselves. Similarly, when asked about how to manage people effectively his response was once again quite straightforward and down-to-earth as he said, βJust be a decent human being.β
Furthermore, Steve debunked the idea that confidence is a stable, attractive or visible attribute and that in fact a controlled fear or βunder-confidenceβ can be the key propeller to make things happen.
Special thanks to Georgie, a fellow YAB member, who interviewed Steve, also to the mjf staff who helped out, the YAB members who prepared this, and of course, to Steve Mead who as always dazzled us with a statement suit (during the event we found out that he has around thirty-six different suits in his closet!)”
With thanks to YAB member, Kalina Kolodziejska. The nextΒ YAB Industry talk will take place at The Social in Aviva Studios on the 2nd of April, 6-7 pm featuring composer and artists, Thanda Gumede. Click here to register for your free ticket.
On Saturday 8th March, we marked International Women’s Day by sharing, celebrating and honouring ALL of our female-identifying artists taking to the stage for mjf 2025. But since then, we’ve been fortunate to sit down & delve deeper into the craft of three of our headline artists taking to the stage this year: Yazz Ahmed, Camilla George & Sanem Kalfa. From a variety of different backgrounds, each artists’ work contains strong international links with their musical identity infused by their mixed heritages.Β
Read on to learn a little more about their work, influences and advice for the next generation.
1.) Could you speak a little about your route into jazz. How did you get your start?Β
My maternal grandfather, Terry Brown, was a jazz trumpet player in the 1950s, playing with the likes of John Dankworth, Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Later he became a record producer for Pye and Phillips. He played his favourite records to me when I was just 10 years old and ignited my love of jazz and of the trumpet. The first jazz record I can remember was by Dizzy Gillespie and I was hooked. I loved the freedom of expression, the rule breaking, the mixing of genres and it made me feel excited.
2.) If you had one piece of advice for an early career female artist on the beginning of her journey with jazz, what would it be? Β
Work hard and donβt give up! The reality is that you may have to shout louder and work harder than your peers because sadly, we can still get overlooked. You might feel frustrated and down trodden, trying to get yourself heard, but be brave and call out any injustices and move towards those that nurture you. My career has been filled with many failures and Iβve come across lots of discrimination but I refused to let anything get in the way of following my passion.
3.) βA Paradise in the Holdβ has been a 10- year-long development process. Can you reflect on this?
Iβm really glad that I took my time over recording this music and creating this new album. If Iβd rushed into recording it back in 2015 it would have been a pale shadow of what itβs become. This music was conceived before the release ofΒ La Saboteuse, my second album, and at a time when the chemistry between the members of my band were still developing. During the next decade we performed hundreds of times together in different combinations, all around the world, and one of my aims when recording was to capture some of that live energy in the studio. Also I hadnβt yet met Natacha Atlas, Randolph Matthews or Alba Nacinovich, three of the wonderful singers on the album, or even begun working with George Crowley on bass clarinet. They have all shaped the music you will you hear by the force of their passionate artistry. It did take longer to complete than I had planned, partly because of the pandemic, but it was during that period of enforced isolation that some of the most creative developments took place, at home in my studio.
4.) The albumβs musical influence comes from your Bahraini roots β how has it been to embrace and delve deeper into this side of your heritage?
This has been an ongoing process that really started in 2008, when I decided to take some some Arabic lessons (sadly I wasnβt taught to speak Arabic at home and went to an English speaking school). I also began studying Middle Eastern music and actually took some lessons with violinist Samy Bishai, who appears on the opening track ofΒ A Paradise In The Hold. This led to an experimental recording session with bass player, Janek Gwizdala, which became the framework for my debut album,Β Finding My Way Home. That was really me dipping my toe into this fusion of Arabic music, jazz and electronic soundscapes, which has developed over the years. I gradually began to investigate the unique and melancholy Bahraini folk music more deeply. I was trying to avoid the generic cliches familiar from western film scores, whenever the action takes place at an oasis for example. Iβm so moved to have been able to include my Bahraini family on this record, it makes me feel more connected to that culture and more accepted by them for who I am.
1.) Could you speak a little about your route into jazz. How did you get your start?Β
I got into jazz because my Dad used to sit me on his knee every Sunday and play all of his jazz vinyl. He was an avid jazz fan and love Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Smith and Sidney Bechet. He used to regale me with stories about when he had seen jazz legends in concert such as Cannonball Adderley- I was hooked!
2.) If you had one piece of advice for an early career female artist on the beginning of her journey with jazz, what would it be? Β
I think it would be to focus on your craft- I have never let myself be defined by boundaries others have put on me, you really just need to aim to be the best musician that you can absolutely be I believe.
3.) Your latest 2022 album βIbio Ibioβ draws on influences from your Nigerian heritage & specifically the Ibibio tribe. How has it been to embrace & delve deeper into this part of your heritage & identity?Β
I have always written music inspired by Nigerian and Grenadian heritage and that has been something that was incredibly important to me as a composer and performer. I enjoy researching more into my heritage in order to write and create new works.
4.) Your music is self-described as containing a politically minded subtext. Could you expand a little more on this? What conversations are you exploring within your music?Β
My music is really about peace, hope and love and the desire that we can all live together as one. That is the main political theme throughout.
Sanem Kalfa1.) Could you speak a little about your route into jazz. How did you get your start? Why jazz? Was there one moment or series of moments that enabled you to fall in love with genre?Β
I didnβt grow up listening to jazz music. I was more into Turkish pop when I was very young, then I jumped blindly into classical music studying at the high school also where I met the cello. Towards the end of my university years I started to sing and got into jazz songs then so on.
I’m here till this day with many changes and many transformations.
2.) If you had one piece of advice for an early career female artist on the beginning of her journey with jazz, what would it be? Β
This would be a suggestion to every artist in the early stage, to be supportive, to stand behind their own personalities, and value what has made them here today. Respect the past and be visionary.
3.) Within both your own heritage & the makeup of the band itself there is a real fusion of cultural landscapes & identities (South Korea, Turkey, Netherlands, The Caribbean). Could you reflect upon how this has impacted your musical soundscape? Β Β
The way we grow up has a big part in who we are today. And our cultural background is a great part of it. But mainly what is important is that we meet in one place and develop a common language. I believe this makes music special, that I hope will reach the audience from us.
4.) βMiraculous Layersβ is described as a project that βexplores the spectrum of human feelings, yearnings, fears and delights contained in and expressed by the human voice.β Could you expand upon this? What might an audience expect from your performance with us? Β
Since we come from different backgrounds, different places, different texturesβ¦Β Β we meet many times in a common place as it comes to the feelings. We just experience, process and express them differently. With Miraculous Layers, we are aiming to open the door of feelings, bravely and by meeting in a common place with the audience.
As the UK’s first festival signatory to Keychange, mjf has a long history of gender balance and representation throughout its work: not just in each festival line-up, but in our talent programmes, teams, board, and in our approach to making the jazz sector a fairer place to work and enjoy music.Β We are proud to programme some of the best contemporary femaleβidentifyingΒ starsΒ spanning all agesΒ acrossΒ the jazz industry. Click here to view our full lineup.
mjf is delighted to announce the appointment of Victoria Robinson as chair to our board. Victoria will take over from Professor Kirsty Fairclough who held the position for over 6 years. Speaking on her time with mjf, Kirsty noted:
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. The passion and dedication of our team have been the heart and soul of every event, ensuring we bring the magic of jazz to life for our community. It has been an honour to lead such a brilliant group of people, and I am excited to see how the festival continues to grow and inspire in the years to come.”
Our board, under the helm of Victoria, will continue to play a pivotal role in mjf’s development guiding the organisation through our next period of development including our 30th anniversary festival edition.
Click here to know our 30th anniversary festival edition.
“Iβm so excited to be joining mjf as Chair. Itβs an organisation that truly values and supports artists, and gives audiences the thrill of discovering live music in a city-wide celebration that always inspires. I cannot wait to work more with the team to keep driving this diverse, innovative, creative festival to do what it does best: help artists find themselves and audiences lose themselves.”Β
Victoria RobinsonΒ is the Chief Executive ofΒ The Met, a leading arts centre and cultural hub in Bury. Under her leadership, The Met has become a driving force for musical excellence, artist development, and community engagement across Greater Manchester. She oversees both its charitable and trading arms, ensuring its sustainability and growth.
Over the past decade, Victoria has led major transformations, including a Β£4.6 million redevelopment and the creation of a new community arts space. She also positioned The Met as a digital innovator during lockdown through itsΒ United We StreamΒ partnership.
With over 25 years in the music and arts sector, Victoria has worked in event promotion, commercial PR, and cultural leadership. She played a key role in establishing the Bury Business Improvement District and continues to champion culture as a tool for regeneration.
An influential voice in the industry, she serves on theΒ Greater Manchester Music Commission, Night Time Economy Board and now we are delighted to welcome her onto our board.
She will take up the role of chair alongside our previously appointed board including: Iain McKeith,Β Nelson Beaumont-Laurencia, Yemi Bolatiwa, Gawen Higgins, Robin Phillips, Lucy Scott, Danni Skerritt, Eric Solomons, Thanda Gumede & Julia Payne.
Building on the success of last year, manchester jazz festival (mjf2025) begins with a spectacular FREE opening weekender at the vibrant neighbourhood: First Street (mjf @ First Street) from 16 β 18 May, supported by House of Social. There will be three event stages: House of Social Main Stage, Ask Garden Stage and HOME stage, each celebrating the breadth and individuality of our home-grown scene and beyond: bands emerging through mjfβs artist development programmes alongside a host of northern success stories giving their homecoming performance at mjf (Mali Hayes, Olivia Cuttill, Phil Meadows).Β
The opening night shines a light on tomorrowβs talent, including Chethamβs students and a pop-up performance curated by mjfβs Youth Advisory Board, with family-friendly activities on Saturday morning. House of Social, a brand-new food hall due to open at First Street in summer β25, have joined mjf as sponsors and will curate a section of the food offering – a preview of what’s to come when the two-storey venue opens later in the year.Β
On Saturday (17 May) thereβs family-friendly activities between 10am β 1pm including Yoga with Gilly, music workshop with Little Groovers and Doctors of Music, plant your own meadow workshop with Plant MCR, Adventures in Wonderland with Z-Arts and more…Β
On Sunday 18 May we partner with Jazz North for the return of the Northern Line showcase: on the Main and HOME Stage, weβll showcase five acts selected by industry experts to be elected onto the 2025 artist roster.Β
All events are free with no booking required, visit the links below for more info!Β Β
Friday 16 May: https://manchesterjazz.com/events/?dates=friday-16-mayΒ Β
Saturday 17 May: https://manchesterjazz.com/events/?dates=saturday-17-mayΒ Β
Sunday 18 May: https://manchesterjazz.com/events/?dates=sunday-18-mayΒ Β
About First StreetΒ
- First Street is a vibrant urban mixed-use neighbourhood located at the heart of Manchester and is a phased development which is being delivered by Ask Real Estate in partnership with Richardson. First Street includes cultural arts venue, HOME, the UKβs first Melia INNSIDE hotel, safe and welcoming areas of public green spaces and a 700-space car park operated by Q-Park. Now boasting an array of bars, restaurants and leisure venues including newly opened Gino DβAcampo Manchester, Indian Tiffin Room, relaxed fine dining offered by Hakkapo, Junk Yard Golf Club, The Gas Works Brewbar, Ribeye Steakhouse, family favourite Pizza Express, and Bunny Jacksons.Β
- First Street is proving to be an eye-catching location for a broad mix of office occupiers and is now established as a thriving business location which will see the Government Property Agency make it their new home by the end of the year.Β
- The expansion of the Estate is continuing apace; currently open on site is phase one of Downingβs co-living scheme named Square Gardens as well as House of Social, a new concept by Vita Student which will be open in September.Β Both schemes will further enhance the residential options here at First Street.Β
- First Streetβs 10th anniversary celebrations start with manchester jazz festivalβs opening weekender (16-18 May) where there will be three event stages: House of Social Main Stage, Ask Garden Stage and HOME stage, each celebrating the breadth and individuality of Manchesterβs home-grown scene and beyond.Β Β
About House of SocialΒ
- House of Social is a collection of independent kitchens that will open in the First Street area of Manchester later this year, just steps away from the cultural hotspot of HOME theatre. Showcasing a range of both home-grown talent and incoming operators, this exciting new venue, founded by Vita Group, spans 12,000 square feet of brand-new dining and drinking space, over two design-led levels.Β
- Developed by Jake Atkinson, the former operations manager of the wildly successful Mackie Mayor, The Picturedrome and Altrincham Market, House of Social will host five kitchens tucked between statement arched windows. Jake has spent a year building a brand-new collective of operators, with some much-loved regional brands bringing new ideas to the table as well as a cult London outfit soon to be announced.Β
- House of Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofsocial_mcrΒ Β
PRS Foundationβs New Music Biennial
mjf is proud to be one of the 20 organisations to have been selected to premiere new work as part of the PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial.
PRS Foundationβs New Music Biennial is a critically acclaimed free festival presenting 20 pieces of new music across two festival weekends, at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (6th β 8th June 2025) and Londonβs Southbank Centre (4th-6th July 2025), broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and available for download from NMC Recordings.
Click the link here to learn more.Β
A premiere of our work (P E A C E) will take place at The Carlton Club during mjf2025.
Click the link here to browse our work.
P E A C E
We are delighted to present the world premiere of this brand new commission,Β conceptualised and created by former mjf originals and hothouse artist, Verity Watts.Β
Does music about peace have to be peaceful? What does peace sound like in 2025?Β
Drawing on her creative catalogue, Verity Watts brings together four world-class artists from contrasting experiences: musically, culturally and spiritually. In the gloriously diverse city of Bradford, where the first Peace Studies department was inaugurated and now houses the Peace Museum, βP E A C Eβ finds musical commonality in the cracks and creates something beautiful by joining together contrasts. Featuring electronic sounds, rap, scratching, spoken word, bassline improvisation and fused with historic archive audio samples, mjf presents a radical and ambitious commission.Β Β
The collaborators will include world champion turntablist DJ Woody; legendary jazz bassist Dave Kane; Bradford-born singer, rapper and songwriter Kenzo Jae; poet and spoken word artist Scout Tzofiya Bolton and Archive Producer Anna Rhodes who will curate audio samples from Bradford, that feature in the music.
Thank you to theΒ Peace Museum,Β University of BradfordβsΒ Peace Studies Department andΒ Bradford City MuseumΒ for their generous support.
Click here to learn more about the commission.
