James Bannah…

A name to few, but an inspiration to many. 

A multi-instrumentalist, a business owner, youth worker/mentor, public speaker, producer, composer of the first ever African Australian musical “The Deep North”, winner of the SA Young Achiever Carclew Creative Awards 2023, Australian of the Year nominee 2023 and Young Australian of the Year nominee 2023. Mr. Bannah is the founder/CEO of a company called SoundsOfAdelaide (SOA), co-CEO of a company called ‘Steelo Flow’ and CEO of a mental health organisation known as ‘YIASP’ (You’re In A Safe Place).

Having previously spending a lengthy amount of time in the Bachelor of Music degree at Tabor college (Majoring in Jazz Piano), Mr. Bannah is also one of Adelaide's young aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs.

Born in Africa’s oldest Republic, Liberia, Mr. Bannah and his family migrated to Australia in 2007 in hopes of a better future. Like many others of the African diaspora, the family had spent their formative years within various refugee camps across the Western region of Africa. Having been constantly surrounded by reminders of the ‘conventional’ conflicts of war; for the Bannah family, music became a preliminary source of joy, peace and hope for the days ahead. With the family’s strong Christian background and love for music, they would often sing hymns during times of hardship, 

“Music is where I feel most free and where I feel like I can express myself no matter who is listening. The only thing that I feel like I can do and not get judged. For me, music is very spiritual, it has a deep connection with my mind, body and soul.” ~ James Bannah

“One of the days it will be over, one of the days our problems shall be over, one of the days it will be over, our God shall give us what we need.” ~ a line from a hymn which James’s family cherishes deeply. 

Having begun his music career in 2015, Mr. Bannah became an autodidact drummer; leaving many people bewildered and mesmerised by his talent and swift ability to learn, thus often referring to him as a virtuoso. After dedicating a strenuous amount of time towards cultivating himself as a musician, Mr. Bannah took a leap of faith in pursuing his dreams and aspirations, enrolling in the Bachelor of Music program at Tabor College in 2019. Further, throughout 2019, James had watched his faith manifest into an abundance of opportunities; having been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people who assisted his journey. Mr. Bannah soon found himself working alongside Adelaide’s aspiring Kenyan artist Elsy Wameyo. Mr Bannah shared stages with major artists such as Sampa The Great, Travis Scott, Adrian Eagle, Genesis Owusu, Ruel, Hilltop Hoods, Coolio, A Boogie, Masego, Duckwrth, Aith and many more. Mr Bannah has also played shows and festivals such as Laneway Festival, Splendour In The Grass, Dark Mofo, Groovin The Moo and many more.

On a musical high Mr. Bannah and his brothers (who also share a love for music) worked in collaboration to create a home studio, where James developed an interest for music production. It was through the ignition of this sudden passion that James then founded his artist management label, known as SoundsOfAdelaide; which is dedicated to fostering the talent of local musicians, by operating as an umbrella for those seeking assistance in expanding their musical careers. 

With his profound love for music, newfound confidence, establishment as a multi-instrumentalist and strong musical influences such as Jacob Collier and Corey Henry; James aspires to delve within many more dimensions of the musical scene and hopefully give back to his community through collaborative programs with schools and through SoundsOfAdelaide.

In previous years, Mr. Bannah has undertaken some work with Act Now Theatre, State Theatre Company SA and Country Arts SA. James is currently working on writing a play that has a focus on the mental health struggles within an African home.

“The talent I have now isn’t supposed to stop with me, I’m going to use it to help other people find their purpose and impact their talent.” ~ James Bannah 

You can support and keep up with James’s progression by following all his socials listed down below.