In 2017, Bahraini-British trumpeter and flugelhorn
player Yazz Ahmed revolutionised jazz with her al- bum "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 jour- ney, 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 land- scape, bridging cultural and musical divides.
