ABOUT ME
My name is Blasio Kavuma. I am a classically trained composer collaborating with artists and ensembles to create music at the intersection of western classical and black music.
I’m a composer, DJ and producer exploring how to integrate black musical thought into western classical composition. I’m also currently a doctoral researcher at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Like my ethnic heritage, there has always been a duality to my musical heritage – from hearing blues, jazz and rhumba on constant rotation in my household, to learning the flute at age eight and writing my own classical pieces, to discovering hip-hop and EDM in my teens. As I began to explore composing and develop a creative practice, these black musical influences would always insist on being heard in my work. Since establishing myself as a composer, I’ve made it my mission to bring these two facets of my musical identity together, and to begin the process of creating something entirely new out of them.
My journey has taken me to some wonderful places, and I’m fortunate to have taken part in many collaborations with performers, ensembles and organisations. In 2018 I joined Sound&Music’s New Voices programme, who commissioned SPIRIT LEVEL with dance company Wayward Thread. This went on to win the prestigious 2019 George Butterworth Prize for composition. Working with jazz and gospel musicians, this was one of the first true explorations of transcultural music in my work so far.
IIn 2019 I joined promoter and label Nonclassical as an artist-in-residence, resulting in commissions from Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra, COMA ensemble and City of London.
I also created Soundclash with cellist Cecilia Bignall, merging soundsystem culture and contemporary classical. Premiered at a gig night I curated featuring artists from Jungle, Jazz and experimental, Soundclash further explored integrating the two musical traditions.
In 2022 I joined the Royal Philharmonic Society composer scheme, who commissioned me to work with Manchester Camerata strings and AMC Gospel choir on a large scale called The Separating Line, perhaps the most ambitious attempt to date at creating a new musical form from these traditions.
Other major projects include composing songs with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers for Dawn Walton’s 5-star production of Antigone in 2021, and being one of five composers to work on Gods of the Game, a Sky Arts-produced comic opera about corruption in the world cup.
My journey has led me to undertake a doctorate with composer Julian Phillips and Guildhall School in London, where I am making an in-depth investigation of how to bring these two unique traditions together. My hope as an artist is that – through creative risk-taking and expanding professional networks to include artists from other traditions – I will open up paths for myself and others who might feel bound by perceived limitations of style or ethnicity.
Let’s Work Together
Classical Ensembles
If you’re a classical performer or ensemble I’d love to hear from you. All my previous work can be viewed on this site, ranging from chamber and solo works to orchestral works.
Live DJ Events
I DJ too! I’ve performed at a range of events including gigs, concerts and conferences. Check out some of the events I’ve performed at on my instagram.
Theatre Productions
Collaboration is central to my practice, and I’ve worked with opera makers, theatre makers and choreographers. Get in touch if you want to learn more!
Talk to Me
hello@blasiokavuma.com