The First Glimpse of a Virtuoso
Before I even caught sight of Sheku Kanneh-Mason himself, his cello case, secured to his back and towering over him, was the first to greet me. During our conversation, the instrument rested next to him, silent for the moment but undoubtedly a significant presence. Just weeks earlier, I had the pleasure of hearing its rich tones at the Barbican in London, where Kanneh-Mason performed Shostakovich’s first cello concerto with the Czech Philharmonic—a piece that marked his victory in the BBC Young Musician competition nine years prior.
An Imposing Musical Résumé
It’s astonishing to think that Kanneh-Mason is only 26 years old, given his achievements. He tours globally with premier orchestras and conductors, holds an MBE, serves as a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music, and is recognized by the estimated hundreds of millions who saw him play at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
A Trailblazer in British Music
Kanneh-Mason isn’t just a celebrated cellist; he’s also a leading figure among young Black musicians in Britain. With six equally talented siblings, he has become a standout performer, notably at the Last Night of the BBC Proms in 2023. However, his appearance on Desert Island Discs last year sparked controversy when he candidly expressed that “Rule, Britannia!” should not be included in the festival’s finale. This straightforward opinion unleashed a storm of media backlash and racist vitriol online.
The Backlash and Its Aftermath
In his debut book, “The Power of Music,” Kanneh-Mason shares the intense reaction to his comment, describing it as a “volcano of racism.” The response on social media was harsh, with calls for extreme punitive measures and hateful speech. Reflecting on the incident, he finds the aggressive nature of the attacks both frightening and disheartening. Despite the uproar, he maintains that his comment was heartfelt and not meant as an attack.
Resilience Through Music
The backlash was targeted at a young man known for his gentle demeanor. When asked how he and his family coped with the ordeal, Kanneh-Mason credits the support from fellow musicians and the therapeutic power of music. Even in difficult times, he finds solace in musical exploration. Despite his consistent participation since 2017, he notes that he won’t be performing in the upcoming 2025 Proms, which he attributes to coincidence.
Music as a Way of Life
Kanneh-Mason describes his approach to music in “The Power of Music” as joyous and natural, resonating with anyone who has played music collaboratively. He grew up in an environment where music was as integral as daily meals or sports. Performing music felt like an extension of family interactions, particularly when playing duets with his sister Isata. Now living in London with his brother Braimah and friend Plínio Fernandes, he enjoys a vibrant household atmosphere conducive to creativity.
Family Influence and Educational Challenges
Despite practicing alone, Kanneh-Mason never felt isolated because his siblings shared in the musical journey. Their parents, passionate about music, encouraged their children not just to learn but to immerse themselves in the endless exploration of music. However, being often the only Black children in musical settings presented challenges, though it also fueled his determination to succeed.
Significantly, his state school in Nottingham played a crucial role in his and his siblings’ musical education, contrary to the expectations that his training was confined to the Royal Academy of Music in London. He credits his school’s vibrant musical community for shaping his musical identity—a legacy now threatened by budget cuts and policy changes that have dampened its musical spirit.
Advocacy for Arts Accessibility
Despite these challenges, Kanneh-Mason remains optimistic about the future of music and arts education. He is an active advocate for making the arts accessible to all, despite recent funding decisions that he views as counterproductive. His life, as depicted in his writings and interviews, reflects a continuous commitment to musical excellence and community engagement.
Fostering a Lifetime of Musical Joy
For Kanneh-Mason, music is a dynamic and evolving pursuit, much like a conversation that grows and deepens over time. He contrasts this with drawing and painting, which, though he enjoys them, do not offer the same ongoing engagement as music does. Music, for him, involves building something invisible and ever-changing—a labor of love and a source of perpetual joy.
“The Power of Music” by Sheku Kanneh-Mason is available through Penguin Books Ltd at an RRP of £16.99. To support the Guardian and order your copy, visit guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
