Manasamitra: new mentor scheme for women composers from minority ethnic backgrounds

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Manasamitra is mentoring five women from minority ethnic backgrounds, helping them to hone their artistic development.

Founder Supriya Nagarajan
Founder Supriya Nagarajan

The scheme, based in Dewsbury, is funded by the Performing Rights Society Fund and Arts Council England. 

Mentees receive one-to-one guidance and mentoring from Manasamitra's artistic director Supriya Nagarajan, a Carnatic singer and composer. 

Nagarajan said: 'I am thrilled that we’re able to work with these incredibly talented women to help develop their skills as individual artists. There’s so much potential that remains untapped within minority backgrounds and I’m proud that we can help unlock their creativity and provide mentorship and guidance for those wanting to progress in the arts.'

Currently being mentored through the programme are:

  • Nicole Raymond (NikNak) – Leeds based musician who released her debut album ‘Bashi’ in November 2020.

  • Millicent James – Birmingham based composer and previous recipient of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire scholarship.

  • Damilola Eniola (Gugaksound) – London based composer, currently influenced by building conversations between Asian music and classic instruments.

  • Yshani Perinpanyagan – Genre-bending pianist whose piece ‘Hedgehog’ kickstarted her career after it gained traction on social media.

  • Satnam Galsian – British-Asian vocalist based in Leeds. Satnam currently performs with her band Kinaara as well as delivering community-based programmes promoting health and wellbeing through music.

To find out more about the mentoring programme, visit: http://www.manasamitra.com/our-work/women-composer-mentoring-project/