Ala.Ni

Born in London into a family of Grenadian origin, Ala.Ni has developed a repertoire that blends vocal jazz, hushed soul, minimalist folk and references to classic musical theatre. Before her solo project she worked as a backing vocalist for Andrea Bocelli, Mary J. Blige, Blur and Damon Albarn — an experience that initially cast her in the role of interpreter and studio vocalist before opening the way to more personal songwriting. In 2015 Ala.Ni released on the No Format! label a sequence of four EPs — You & I Spring EP, You & I Summer EP, You & I Autumn EP and You & I Winter EP — conceived as a seasonal cycle. That material was gathered and extended on the 2016 album You & I, where her near-whisper voice, spare arrangements and short melodies evoke both old standards and chamber pop. Ala.Ni then evolved her sound with ACCA in 2019, a record with more contrast in its writing, where the intimacy of the singing remains central while allowing greater space for soul textures and a form of spoken word. On stage, Ala.Ni favors a sober format focused on vocal presence, subtlety and an economical use of effects.