Jazz FM, One Jazz and Tomorrow’s Warriors announce second series of ‘I AM WARRIOR’.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Over six episodes, I AM WARRIOR introduces three artists; pianist & composer Emily Tran, singer-songwriter Kianja and trombonist-composer Christ-Stéphane Boizi. The series begins on 31st January 2026.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz FM, One Jazz and Tomorrow’s Warriors
announce second series of
I AM WARRIOR
A six-part radio series from 31 January 2026
Spotlighting emerging UK jazz talent
*Emily Tran * Kianja * Christ-Stéphane Boizi*

Jazz FM and One Jazz, leading broadcasters in the world of jazz radio, return with a second series of I AM WARRIOR, a co-production with the world-renowned talent development organisation and charity, Tomorrow’s Warriors. The series introduces listeners to three of today’s most exciting emerging artists from the Tomorrow’s Warriors programme, reaffirming the broadcasters’ shared commitment to championing the next generation of UK jazz talent and providing them with a national broadcast platform.

Over six episodes, I AM WARRIOR introduces three artists; pianist and composer Emily Tran, singer-songwriter Kianja and trombonist-composer Christ-Stéphane Boizi.

Each episode sees one of the three rising stars weave personal storytelling with music from classic artists who’ve inspired and shaped their sound - alongside their own tracks and selections from Tomorrow’s Warriors alumni and fellow contemporaries across the current UK jazz scene.

I AM WARRIOR is broadcast across six weeks on both Jazz FM and One Jazz, with the first episode airing on Jazz FM on Saturday 31 January at 9pm and on One Jazz on Sunday 1 February.

Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical said:
“Working with our friends at Tomorrow’s Warriors and One Jazz for a second time on this really important project provides a real opportunity to expose our audience to these new amazing talents, and in turn give them a chance to share their influences through their own voice.  Their eclectic musical choices never fail to surprise and amaze!”

Jez Nelson, co-founder of One Jazz and trustee of Tomorrow’s Warriors says,
“One Jazz is all about showcasing jazz and jazz artists from the world over. Tomorrow’s Warriors represents the very best of young, emerging jazz talent and we’re buzzing to have I AM WARRIOR returning for a second year on the network, it’s brilliant to be working with Jazz FM again on this important project. Emily Tran, Kianja and Christ-Stéphane Boizi are exciting additions to our growing roster of global jazz hosts”

Janine Irons OBE, Co-founder and CEO of Tomorrow’s Warriors, said,
“I AM WARRIOR is a powerful reflection of what Tomorrow’s Warriors has always stood for - giving young artists the space, support and confidence to tell their own stories in their own voices. Emily Tran, Kianja and Christ-Stéphane Boizi represent the depth, diversity and creative brilliance of the current UK jazz scene, and it will be inspiring to hear them share their journeys and influences. Working once again with our friends at Jazz FM and One Jazz allows these artists to be heard on a national platform, and that visibility is vital for the future of this music.”

On being part of the series, Emily Tran said
“I’m excited to dig through records of great pianists and try to cherry-pick a few that have been important in my development as a composer and pianist. I’m also excited to share these songs with listeners and talk about what made me love them.”

Trombonist Christ-Stéphane Boizi added:
“Having the opportunity to dig into new music that I haven’t checked out before — it’s going to be a super humbling experience. Can’t wait to check out some killing music with you guys. See you soon.”

Commenting on becoming a radio host, Kianja said:
“I joined this series to stretch myself creatively and learn a new skill. I’m excited to revisit the music that raised me, to dig back into my personal archives, and to experience radio in a deeper and more intentional way.”

I AM WARRIOR is broadcast:

Jazz FM - Saturdays at 9pm
31 January, 7 February, 14 February, 21 February, 28 February and 7 March

One Jazz - Sundays at 3pm
1st February, 8th February ,15th February, 22nd February, 1st March and 8th March

The series is produced by Claire Umney with assistant producer Joe D’Souza

About Jazz FM:
Jazz FM is the largest commercial jazz station in the world, celebrating the complete spectrum of Jazz in all its colourful forms since 1990. Jazz FM broadcasters, producers and team are true devotees, with a deep love and understanding of their particular jazz shade, their passion is vivid, their enthusiasm infectious, sharing the finest jazz with everyone. It is on a mission to entertain, promote and celebrate all that’s great about Jazz. Involvement with national festivals and awards is part of this - setting the bar high for live performance, recognising outstanding talent and strengthening the jazz community.

About One Jazz:
One Jazz is the world’s first 24/7 global online jazz radio platform delivering expertly curated jazz of all flavours from all over the world. Championing the best new recordings, essential gems from the past, and in-depth artist specials we are here in service of the music, the musicians and jazz lovers. One Jazz broadcasts a rich schedule of 70 + shows from an international community of passionate jazz tastemakers — artists, labels, festival curators DJ’s and magazine editors — broadcasting from the UK, USA, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Finland and across Europe. This breadth of specialist voices allows One Jazz to span the full jazz spectrum, from free and avant-garde explorations to Latin, electronic and hot-off-the-press jazz discoveries. One Jazz in not-for-profit and volunteer run and was founded by veteran jazz broadcasters Chris Philips and Jez Nelson.
One Jazz can be found at wwww.onejazz.net, via its own APP, On Tune-In and on smart devices.

About Tomorrow’s Warriors:
Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering talent development organisation, creative producer, learning and training provider, charity and consultancy specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, TW helps aspiring young artists from diverse backgrounds discover their magic and achieve creative ambitions. Since inception, Tomorrow’s Warriors has reached over 20,000 young people aged 11-25 through its unique Talent Development Programme, events, outreach and sessions, providing each musician with between 1,000-5,000 hours of free jazz training and development. Tomorrow’s Warriors nurtures nascent talent and builds engaged, culturally diverse audiences, providing a crucial development platform for emerging artists, many of whom are blazing a trail across the international music scene – including BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winners EZRA Collective, as well as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi, Sheila Maurice-Gray, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, CHERISE, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Zara McFarlane and many more. Tomorrow’s Warriors is a Resident Organisation of the Southbank Centre, where it hosts its Young Artist Development Programme. The Emerging Artist Programme delivers mentoring, performance opportunities, training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses, and bursaries to support artists into professional careers.  Tomorrow’s Warriors is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and a member of the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network. Tomorrow’s Warriors is also the home of Nu Civilisation Orchestra.