From the hard rock of The Foo Fighters to the jazz fusion of Chick Corea, from the Afro-Jazz fusion of Ezra Collective to the heavy metal of Black Sabbath, Izi takes inspiration from a multitude of different styles. After attending the show as a guest for the first time last year, she is very excited and honoured have been asked to perform on the new Main Stage Mini.

From being featured in a Rockschool Grade 1 walkthrough video aged 7, to performing in concerts and winning awards at local music festivals with many ensembles, multi-instrumentalist Izi’s love for drumming has not stopped growing. She is extremely proud to have recently had a featured article in Women in Jazz Magazine, having been a UK winner in an international drumming contest. One of her favourite drumming performances has been playing a two-hour set at a Big Band and BBQ event, performing pieces including ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. Jones, ‘Four’ by Miles Davis and ‘Virtual Insanity’ by Jamiroquai.

From the hard rock of the Foo Fighters to chilled-out swing jazz, from the afro-jazz fusion of Ezra Collective to metal, Izi takes inspiration from a multitude of different styles. Her favourite style to play is progressive rock, as she loves the exciting changes in time signatures, the theatrical drama, intricate grooves, and the jazz influence – she loves the genre so much that she wrote a 13000-word dissertation on the subject! She is currently enjoying exploring more classic jazz and improvisation with her drum tutor Neil Robinson, being inspired by the explosive energy of Art Blakey and the subtle touch and storytelling of Tony Allen. Her jazz journey is only just beginning, and she is so excited to discover and learn even more about the genre! As a part of various ensembles, Izi also loves to play orchestral percussion, and drumming to musical theatre songs, especially from the ‘60s-influenced soundtrack of ‘Hairspray’. She’s a lover of all types of music – when her previous school was donated a harpsichord, she was the only student to learn how to play, and within six months performed in a Baroque Concert.

Whilst attending the UK Drum Show last year, Izi was lucky enough to meet her favourite drummer Femi Koleoso, as well as getting to watch the inspirational drummers Richard Spaven, Gary Husband, Craig Blundell and Cindy Blackman Santana. She’s always drawing inspiration from her favourite musicians; Carl Palmer from ELP, Andy Ward from Camel and Neil Peart from Rush’s fusion of exciting, driving rock and jazz improv have influenced her own playing, alongside the incredible virtuosity of Bill Bruford. She has too many inspirations to mention – Phil Collins, Taylor Hawkins, Brian Downey, Cindy Blackman Santana, Chad Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Billy Cobham, Sheila E, Danny Carey… the list is endless!

When she’s not drumming, you can find Izi in the dance studio or on the stage. Highlights include performing at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Indigo at the O2, and at Disneyland Paris twice. She’s hoping that her music will take her to other amazing venues like these, starting with the Drum Show!
Izi is the drummer for the newly-formed bank Apricity, who played their first gig last December at a local Beatles Convention. Recently, she has also enjoyed laying down drum tracks for lots of her peers’ musical projects. She is trying to expand her knowledge and take up as many opportunities as possible, such as attending the Amplify event at Abbey Road Studios on music production, a pinch-me moment where she got to walk in the footsteps of many of the greats. Currently studying her A levels, she has been exploring different music courses and conservatories, and has just accepted her place on the Junior Guildhall Principal Study Classical Vocal course. Izi can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!