Kosovan singer-songwriter AJO brings her band to West London’s most spectacular setting for London Jazz Festival.
AJO is a Kosovo-born, London-based singer-songwriter whose Albanian heritage inspires her unique sound. She draws inspiration from her roots in music and performance, elevating the craft and emotion of traditional folk music into jazz-infused territory.
After filling venues at Rich Mix and Royal Albert Hall in 2021, AJO returns to London to perform her highly-acclaimed EP Besa – her first work in 17 years. The album explores themes such as honour, betrayal, joy, pain, politics as a woman and the Albanian concept of ‘Besa’—an oath of trust passed down the centuries.
Band Members
Vjollca Robelli Mripa – Ajo – vocals
Christian prior – piano
Mike Redfern – guitar
Arthur Newell – Drums
Rhys Lovel – double bass
Aurel Qirijo – violin
“To match the story her voice is honey-sweet, punctuated by quick catches that suggest a cry of sorrow. Yet she can soar with the angels and continues to sing a story of hope, and life, as it is, full of low and high points” Debbie Burke – American Jazz Author and Journalist
This evening is presented by Arts Canteen in collaboration with Grand Junction as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
