Tomorrow’s Warriors Presents: Ankora

“A totally thrilling ride.” The Jazz Mann

Sisters are doing it for themselves! We’re super-thrilled to be welcoming this all-female band, the latest explosive new-generation ensemble to emerge from Tomorrow’s Warriors, the legendary music education organisation that brought us Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings and Ezra Collective.

Ankora is a London based eight-piece composed of Mali Sheard (alto sax), Keira Chakraborty (flute), Hannah Clifton (trumpet), Klara Devlin (trumpet), Miranda Radford (drums), Tami Adebanjo (guitar), Kezia Abuoma (piano) and Holly Reinhardt (bass). Meeting at the renowned Warriors sessions, these ambitious young musicians were selected to perform in the flagship development ensemble Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline, mentored by acclaimed drummer and composer, Romarna Campbell. Ankora is the exciting new step that the ensemble is taking as they journey deeper into the London jazz scene and beyond. It’s a real coup to bring these stars-in-waiting, and their energy, exuberance and phenomenal talent to Wolverhampton as this latest chapter begins.

The name ‘Ankora’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘anchor’ (ancora), a symbol of groundedness, hope and a connection to roots, a message that spreads through their repertoire of both originals and covers of powerful jazz tunes. The name links to an alternative meaning in Italian of ‘again’, marking the momentum of their rebirth as they continue their musical and artistic journey.

Their influences include the legacies of Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter whilst branching out to the more contemporary mastery of Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Kirkland. The ensemble takes inspiration from the spark and power of these jazz legends compositionally and stylistically.

Collectively, the members of Ankora have already made their mark on the jazz scene through performances at a mix of festivals and venues including Love Supreme Jazz Festival, We Out Here, Dizzy’s Jazz Club (NYC), The Vortex, Brick Lane Jazz Festival and The Jazz Café. Ready for more, the unique, powerful voice of this ensemble is excited to embrace the wonder and diversity of the jazz scene.

More about Tomorrow’s Warriors
For over 30 years, Tomorrow’s Warriors has played a vital role within its community and the wider music industry and has been credited with literally changing the face of UK jazz.

Free access to Tomorrow’s Warriors artistic programme has proved crucial in nurturing the nascent talent and early careers of so many of the most exciting UK artists currently tearing up the international jazz scene including Mercury Prize 2023 recipients and BRIT Awards Best Group 2025 winners Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, ESKA, Jason Yarde, Denys Baptiste, Robert Mitchell, Soweto Kinch, Shirley Tetteh, Byron Wallen…the list goes on.

A Black-founded and Black-led organisation, Tomorrow’s Warriors offers a pioneering, free to access, comprehensive programme of learning and training which champions and supports young Black and female talent and those who come from challenging circumstances that would be a barrier to accessing opportunities to pursue a music career.

“Tomorrow’s Warriors occupies a unique and vital space in our cultural landscape. Their work in helping positively shape future generations is of critical importance especially with the tribulations we currently face. Please keep supporting – each one, teach one!” Gilles Peterson
ON ANKORA:

“Stunning performance… I am certain that every one of these young women have exciting and notable careers ahead of them and I’m going to enjoy watching that unfold, through Ankora and individually, for as long as I’m around.” Dave Fuller, The Jazz Man