TOPOWA! means ‘never give up’ in Ugandan. It is a mantra I use to remind myself everyday of the incredible people I met making this film and the dedication of the teachers and musicians of the Brass For Africa organisation.
Editing the material I shot in Uganda, during lockdown in London 2020 made it even more apparent how important undertaking this project was. Charities have found it tougher than ever through the pandemic and this film has enabled Brass For Africa & its founder Jim Trott (MBE) to be able to share their work & story with the world during these difficult times. I am very proud to have self-funded this project and filmed, edited & directed this film for them.
Filmed in Uganda & The UK, the film features 9 time Emmy award winning Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis and tells the story of an incredible group of young teachers on a musical journey from the slums of Katwe, Kampala to some of the biggest stages in the UK.
Winner Best Music Documentary Raindance Festival 2020
Winner Best Feature Documentary Berlin Biff Festival 2021
Brass For Africa