Tomorrow's Warriors
Tomorrow's Warriors (TW) is a jazz music education and artist development organisation that was co-founded in 1991 by Janine Irons and Gary Crosby, committed to championing diversity, inclusion and equality across the arts through jazz, with a special focus on "Black musicians, female musicians and those whose financial or other circumstances might lock them out of opportunities to pursue a career in the music industry". Crosby drew inspiration from having been a member of the Jazz Warriors, a London-based group of musicians that in the 1980s showcased many young Black British musicians who went on to achieve international success (among them Courtney Pine, Steve Williamson, Cleveland Watkiss, Phillip Bent, Orphy Robinson, as well as Crosby himself).
Tomorrow's Warriors, which has a multiracial make-up, provides a platform for young musicians wishing to pursue a career in jazz, and aims "to inspire, foster and grow a vibrant community of artists, audiences and leaders who together will transform the lives of future generations by increasing opportunity, diversity and excellence in and through jazz." The organisation's commitment to mentorship and community is embodied in the guiding principle "Each one teach one", whereby each generation supports the next. TW alumni have gone on to win many awards, including the Mercury Prize, given in 2023 to the Ezra Collective, who also won the accolade "Group of the Year" at the Brit Awards 2025.
Irons, a former vocalist turned manager and producer, and her partner Crosby also initiated the Dune Records label, drawing on talent from Tomorrow's Warriors, including such graduates of the organisation as Denys Baptiste, J-Life and Soweto Kinch.
Tomorrow's Warriors partners with venues, promoters and organisations across the UK to develop audience participation in jazz, with regular live public events. According to music journalist Richard Williams, "No single organisation has exerted a more profound or beneficial influence on jazz in Britain than Tomorrow's Warriors."
Don't Stop
- 2023-06-16T00:00:00.000000Z
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