Mantawoman
Originally from San Francisco, Mantawoman is an artist who ‘makes heartfelt music and performances that explore identity and change’.
Citing SZA, Björk and Brian Eno as their musical influences, Mantawoman cut their teeth touring internationally with the GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble, and has now emerged solo onto the post-pandemic London music scene.
A musician and performer who plays the yangqin – a Chinese percussive string instrument – Mantawoman’s individual works include an audiovisual performance of Weyes Blood’s ‘Movies’ in collaboration with Emma Henry Wolf; EVERYTHING IS MUSIC 萬物皆音樂 (2022), a performance art cover of John Cage's 4'33" on the 70th anniversary of its premiere; and the 2023 single ‘Aftershocks’ featuring Emmy the Great.
‘I have always been attracted to the Southbank Centre's edgy and inviting atmosphere, making culture exciting and accessible.’
Since relocating to London five years ago, Mantawoman has been a regular visitor to our venues, as they explained. ‘The Southbank Centre has been a warm and welcoming fixture in the [time] I’ve spent in London. Whether I was seeing a performance, or nestling up in one of the cafes to do some writing… I have always been attracted to the Southbank Centre's edgy and inviting atmosphere, making culture exciting and accessible’. Asked what they’ll be using their Southbank Centre Studio to do, Mantawoman replied, ‘create a multidimensional music show that makes people laugh and makes people cry’.
The artist added, ‘This is an incredibly significant moment in my career. I feel recognised for my artistry in full dimension, rather than just for one aspect. I am incredibly grateful and excited for this opportunity [and through it] I hope to connect with as many people as possible – audiences and fellow artists alike’.