On the 9th October The Prime Minister’s Office, at Number 10 Downing Street, invited musicians from Tomorrow’s Warriors to perform at a special reception hosted by the PM Keir Starmer to celebrate Black History Month.
And, it was a privilege for us to be represented by two of our finest! Bassist Menelik Claffey and keyboardist Ky Osborne, aka Tomorrow’s Warriors Duo, performed a set of jazz standards for the attending Black luminaries from across business, arts and culture, and beyond at a beautiful night of celebration of Black History Month.
We couldn’t have been more proud of these two wonderful ambassadors for Tomorrow’s Warriors, and the experience clearly meant a lot to them as well.
“At Tomorrow’s Warriors, we get to learn from phenomenal musicians who have lived and breathed music for so long and offered up their expertise. Without them I wouldn’t have pursued music as I wouldn’t think it was possible. I’m now teaching the classes that I used to attend.
“I’m honoured to be playing Black music, in front of a Black audience for a Black founded organisation at Downing Street during Black History Month – a time for honesty, clarity, celebration and taking stock.
“When I told my dad, it was important for him too. To be in a government establishment and fill the room with joy and black excellence for people who have contributed so much to the community feels good.”Ky Osborne
“Tomorrow’s Warriors have the best network of teachers and collaborators for jazz music in this country. Being a part of the organisation exposed me to the top level of jazz knowledge and tuition from an early age.
“Being a young Black musician can mean facing subtle challenges. You have to justify that you’re in the right place and can come across micro-aggressions.
“It feels mad to be playing at Downing Street. I wasn’t expecting to see the Prime Minister in the flesh!” Menelik Claffey