Camilla George

The Nigerian saxophonist Camilla George grew up with the Afrobeat music of Fela Kutis and western jazz sounds. Perfect preparation, along with studying at the London Trinity College of Music, for becoming one of the leading figures in the new London jazz scene, which is characterised by an emphasis on improvisation, a love of experimentation and the fusion of jazz with other genres. George’s third studio album Ibio-Ibio is a blend of jazz and all sorts of hip-hop and soul influences. However, the work is a musical “celebration of roots” dedicated to the Ibibio people to which George herself belongs. On the first single from that album, “Abasi Isang” – a sumptuous brass feast over polyrhythmic drums, guitar and keys – her passionate playing switches effortlessly between opulent Afrobeat and soulful jazz melodies that are infectious with her high energy, while also exerting a soothingly grounded effect.