Born Hannah and musically known as Anicah, this London-based saxophonist carries a sound shaped by heritage, discipline, and deep emotional connection. Raised in a musical family and proudly rooted in Nigerian and Jamaican culture, music was never distant from her life — it was woven into it. That cultural blend continues to influence the genres she explores today, from jazz and soul to Afrobeats and dancehall.

Interestingly, her journey with the saxophone began almost by accident. While her friends chose the flute at school, she wanted to do something different — so she picked up the saxophone. That simple decision became a defining turning point. The instrument’s expressive tone and versatility drew her in immediately. Even childhood influences like watching Lisa Simpson confidently play the saxophone on television left a lasting impression. Seeing a female character command that instrument made it feel possible.

Anicah’s musical foundation began in classical training, where she prepared for and completed saxophone exams that strengthened her technique and discipline. In 2014, her world expanded when she joined the Big East London Jazz Band. Jazz opened new creative doors. It allowed her to improvise, to feel, to interpret — to truly speak through her instrument.

Her influences reflect her musical depth. Jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Duke Ellington, and Grover Washington Jr. helped shape her understanding of tone and phrasing. Performing a Grover Washington Jr. piece at her Sofar Sounds show was a full-circle moment. At the same time, modern Afrobeats artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema influence her rhythm and groove, adding contemporary flavor to her performances.

For Anicah, music is about connection above all else. One of her most meaningful spaces to play has been at a Nigerian church, where she regularly performs on the saxophone. The atmosphere of worship — the collective energy, the spiritual depth — allows her to play with raw feeling. In that setting, music transcends performance. It becomes shared emotion.

Some of her most memorable moments have come from major and intimate stages alike. Working with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra alongside Wynton Marsalis ignited a deeper love for jazz and confirmed her dedication to the craft. Performing her first Sofar Sounds show, where she presented a 20-minute set of her own material, was another milestone. That experience pushed her to begin writing and developing her own music.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. As an independent musician, navigating social media has become one of the modern hurdles. Constantly creating content to grow visibility while balancing rehearsals, performances, and everyday life requires discipline. But she understands that building an audience today involves both artistry and adaptability.

Anicah’s milestones are diverse and meaningful. Her first wedding performance remains unforgettable, marking the beginning of many private and event bookings. An international proposal booking in Greece opened doors to global opportunities. She has since performed at weddings, art exhibitions, and special events, expanding her reach.

Beyond performance, she is proud to have co-founded Two Step, a creative platform she runs with her siblings. Two Step provides musicians and poets with a stage to showcase their talents, fostering community and artistic collaboration.

Looking ahead, Anicah aims to continue evolving. She hopes to secure more international bookings, collaborate with diverse musicians, and expand her original material. Growing Two Step into a larger creative hub is also part of her long-term vision.

At her core, Anicah is an artist who blends tradition with modernity, worship with jazz, and heritage with innovation.

And her saxophone is only just beginning to tell its full story.