Ayanna Witter-Johnson: My Mixtape

Equally at home within the worlds of classical recital, or the soundclash culture of her upbringing; this mixed bag of musical influence has fuelled a special upcoming appearance as part of our Purcell Sessions series. Across two performances Witter-Johnson will explore the rich musical legacy of her Jamaican heritage to present a theatrical collaboration that’s also set to feature cameos from family and friends.

Ahead of these performances we asked her to put together a short mixtape for us that drew on the music of her life. She has not disappointed; delivering a curation of cuts from classic Bob Marley to contemporary Koffee, via an unforgettable 1990s anthem. Listen to the Playlist below, and then read Witter-Johnon’s impassioned reasoning for their selection beneath.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson breaks down her mixtape inclusions…

‘Lots of Sign’ – Tenor Saw

This was one of my maternal uncle’s favourite songs and he would blast it through the speakers whilst my mum was pregnant with me, so I like to think that I was marinating in these heavy dub vibes whilst I was in the womb. Listening to it as an adult, I love the truth and prophetic nature of the lyrics.

‘Night Nurse’ – Cleveland Watkiss

I love Cleveland’s version of this Gregory Isaac classic. His relaxed vocal and harmonies are stunning. This song always reminds me of Jamaican family functions growing up. My dad and paternal uncle are Soundmen and I just picture that moment of them spinning the track and all the adults just dancing and enjoying the vibe. The way the bassline and the horns interact is so tight and satisfying to listen and groove to. Yes! 

‘Shy Guy’ – Diana King

Diana King absolutely killed it with this tune. It was one of my favourites growing up and still is. Her vocal is killer and the lyrics still stand strong today. I love the fusion of Dancehall, Soul and RnB vibes and how she moves back and forth between silky vocals and Jamaican patois with ease. I think it was the first time I had heard a female coming with dancehall vibes in the mainstream pop domain. Wow! A powerful black woman just basking in her glory! This song was such a massive crossover hit and still hits hard today. Every time I hear it I just have to dance. 

‘Silly Games’ – Janet Kay

This beautiful track just has all the elements you need in a song. Great melody, lyrics, groove and it totally reminds me of my parents’ generation. Janet Kay along with Carroll Thompson are two of the Queens of Lovers Rock, and their generation are such an important part of British Jamaican musical history. Of course, Janet’s high C at the end of the chorus is legendary and it’s so much fun trying to sing it. Just as much fun as listening to other people trying to hit that note too! 

‘Jamming’ – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Aahh! This is not only one of my favourite Bob Marley songs, but one of my favourite songs full stop! Aaah! It is just such a feel-good classic. The reggae groove is soooo good, it just moves every cell in my body. I love Bob. His message, his musicality; goodness he is sooo missing in our musical landscape today. I also love the tight vocal harmonies and arrangement, the percussive intricacies that create the bed of rhythm, the rhythmical play of his ad libs towards the end. Goodness, the more you listen, the more you find!

‘Hold You’ – Gyptian

Gyptian’s modern classic is perfect! It’s another one that makes me dance and I marvel when I think of how he uses such small musical elements to create such a satisfying groove. It’s the conviction in his vocal performance and lyrics – particularly in the chorus – that are so refreshing. It’s lovely to hear a dancehall track that treasures women in a romantic way. I think that’s why it’s such a loved song because most of us want to be held and treasured. Well I do anyway!

‘Toast’ – Koffee

Koffee is absolute fire! I love this track! The dancehall-inspired rhythm with a modern hip-hop edge, her rhythm of her vocal delivery – it feels so good to dance to. Her positive message and confidence shines through her lyrical content and that’s so amazing coming from a young female dancehall artist. I could not love this track any more. Koffee is adding to a tradition of songs that ‘give thanks’ in Jamaican culture. I love that thread which leads me on to…

‘Blessed’ – Buju Banton

One of the Kings of Jamaican Dancehall music. This is one of his most recent songs and what a banger it is! He smashed it with this one; it’s one of my favourites of his. Not only is he coming with a positive message, but the groove and his vocal delivery is incredible! It has a depth and again uses key elements to create a powerful sound with an economy of musical elements. I love that he balances giving us the realness of his experience as a Black Man with a forward facing positively empowering attitude and then to mix that with a killer dancehall riddim is an absolute winner for me! Makes me want to dance hard!