Queer Jazz: How Tina Edwards & Arowah Are Shaping the UK Jazz Scene
Image credits: (Left) Joe Magowan, (Right) Kadeen-May Brown
Today, we’re thrilled to feature two visionaries transforming the UK jazz scene— Tina Edwards and Arowah, the co-founders of Queer Jazz. What started as a passion for amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices in jazz has quickly grown into a thriving community, complete with a monthly residency at Vortex Jazz Club, London. In this exclusive conversation, Tina Edwards takes us behind the scenes of Queer Jazz, sharing their journey, the artists they champion and their mission to create an inclusive and groundbreaking space in jazz.
Our readers appreciate discovering emerging talents. Could you highlight some up-and-coming queer jazz musicians featured in your upcoming residency?
The artists taking part in our residency are amongst some of the most promising emerging artists in the UK Jazz scene and beyond right now—acts like Matters Unknown (Jonathan Enser from Nubiyan Twist) alongside more soulful artists like Queen Kaltoum. Swiss band KNOBIL will be making their UK debut with us on April 16th. Peng Femme Jam have a lot of momentum behind them right now; they’re a female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ led jam group who’ll be with us on May 14th—bring your instruments with you. And we can’t not talk about pianist Jessica Lauren, an absolute linchpin of the UK Jazz scene who’s been doing her thing for decades. She’s been working on something especially for our March show on the 19th.
Mental health and well-being are significant topics for our readers. How does Queer Jazz create a supportive environment for artists facing challenges in the music industry?
There’s really limited opportunities for artists to perform in queer settings. We have dwindling numbers of gay venues in the UK. With our residency this year and two PRIDE shows in Brighton and Bristol we’re able to programme a shed load of LGBTQIA+ acts in a welcoming, safe space. We’re really encouraging of people coming along, too. Arowah, myself [Tina] and the wider team are a chatty bunch and like to make sure that new faces feel really welcome.
Reflecting on your extensive experience in the UK jazz scene, what changes have you observed in terms of inclusivity, representation and connection among artists and audiences, and how does Queer Jazz contribute to this evolution?
My inspiring friends Lou Paley and Nina Fine founded Women In Jazz; a platform for nurturing artists through workshops, events, recording opportunities and more. It’s also a label now, partnered with Mercury Prize affiliated New Soil. Women In Jazz has done incredible things for addressing the lack of gender balance in the scene; I’ve seen a lot more opportunities open up for women and non-binary musicians thanks to Lou and Nina. I hope we can contribute to building a community in the same way that they have. We also have to give props to Sounds Queer, a grassroots organisation that programmes emerging-talent line-ups across the spectrum of music, and long-term pals The Chateau, who host engaging panels and are about to launch a record label.
Queer Jazz has quickly grown from a few live shows to a full-fledged monthly residency. Can you tell us about the journey from that first conversation to this major milestone?
I realised that there’s a huge number of jazz and soul artists in the UK that are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet at the same time, people struggle to name any queer jazz musicians; heads up, some of the earliest women of jazz and blues like Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith were all women-loving-women. I was writing a feature for WeJazz Magazine around this subject when it hit me—wouldn’t it be amazing to help foster an LGBTQIA+ community in the London Jazz scene? I’d interviewed my co-founder Arowah for the feature and it turned out, she’d been having the same thoughts. We held various shows across London—including a three month residency at Woolwich Works— and received Arts Council England funding for a year long residency and two PRIDE shows at the end of 2024. We know how hard it is to be granted funding—we still can’t believe we got it! We love hosting shows at The Vortex—the team are deeply supportive and we felt it was important to take up space by throwing the event in a non-queer space. Plus, the venue’s accessible, which is harder and harder to come by in London.
The jazz world has long been a space for innovation and self-expression, but visibility for queer artists remains a challenge. What impact do you hope the Queer Jazz residency will have on the scene?
For us, the goal is simple; it’s about creating a version of a space that wasn’t there before. What the artists do with that space is up to them.
You've programmed an exciting lineup for the first half of 2025. What do you look for when curating talent for these events?
We look for independent artists that have a distinctive sound across Jazz and further afield, whether that’s soul, alternative R&B, electronic or the avant-garde space; musicians that invite you into their sound world and who kill it live.
With plans for three PRIDE events in Summer 2025, can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect?
We’re so excited to be taking QJ on the road. We’ll be hosting PRIDE celebrations in London, Brighton and Bristol. It’s a little too soon to share but you can follow our socials for announcements.
As Queer Jazz continues to redefine what representation in jazz looks like, Arowah and Tina’s work serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of purpose-driven change. Their dedication to providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ artists is not just shaping the scene—it’s ensuring that future generations of queer musicians have the space to thrive. Keep an eye on their upcoming residencies and PRIDE events, and be sure to follow their journey.
London Residency, Vortex Jazz Club
February
QUEEN KALTOUM, support from Maya Law - February 5th, 19:45 - 22:45
March
Jessica Lauren, support from Efti’s Project - March 19th, 19:45 - 22:45
April
KNOBIL, support from Leo Lore- April 16th, 19:45 - 22:45
May
Peng Femme Jam, support from S0lar - May 14th, 19:45 - 22:45
June
Summer showcase
Details TBA
July
Matters Unknown, support TBA - July 16th, 19:45 - 22:45
Tickets are on sale now at Vortex Jazz Club website
Follow Queer Jazz: Instagram
