La Saboteuse

In 2017, Bahraini-British trumpeter and flugelhorn player Yazz Ahmed revolutionised jazz with her album “La Saboteuse,” blending her dual heritage with electronic effects to redefine the genre. The record delves into her British and Bahraini roots, featuring musicians like Lewis Wright and Shabaka Hutchings, and is characterised by its Middle Eastern melodies and evocative rhythms, exploring themes of self-doubt personified by a female saboteur.

Yazz’s early years in Bahrain and her grandfather’s trumpet playing in London inspired her musical journey, with the influence of modern-day contemporary jazz artists – and Ahmed’s own contemporaries – like Kamasi Washington and Sons of Kemet also seeping in. Her unique sound incorporates Arabic melodies, reflecting her cultural heritage and British jazz influ- ences. Yazz also challenges the male-dominated jazz sphere, empowered by a rising number of female musicians. Despite improvements, she believes more progress is needed.

Looking forward, Yazz Ahmed plans to create a piece inspired by the universe’s ever-changing structures, signalling her continuous innovation in jazz. Her work positions her as a vital part of the evolving jazz landscape, bridging cultural and musical divides.