Cecil Jones (CJ)

Cecil’s musical career commenced at an early age in Freetown Sierra Leone. As a multi-instrumentalist with ABRSM grade 8 in Saxophone,
He has over twenty years of experience as a musician. He is a singer/songwriter and choir director and have lived in the Hull community since 2012.

He has participated in the PRS New Music Biennial and worked on music workshop with esteemed musicians to create new music.

Muchcollaboration was achieved working with master trainers from around the world on a music project Singing Days, in conjunction with schools in Hull organised by the British Council.

His versatile style of playing music led to completing a Bachelor of music degree at Hull University. At university, he augmented his skills on the saxophone through actively participating in diverse ensemble acquainting himself to jazz style playing. This opportunity gave him the pleasure to
form a jazz band and has ever since been performing annually at different locations within Hull City.

In 2017, during the celebration of City of Culture, Cecil performed together with other musicians from Sierra Leone on one of the main stages with the opportunity of sharing his country’s cultural and heritage with the audience that gathered to watch.

It was in that same year he formed the HULL AFRO DRUM BEATS, using the djembe drums to perform and lead workshops within and outside of Hull.

Cecil runs the United Voices Choir that is based at Princes Avenue Methodist Church, which brings together singers from various cultures and backgrounds across Hull.

He is an active member of his Alma Mater school brass band, The Sierra Leone Grammar school in London and Freetown Sierra Leone.
During his final year studying at the University of Hull, Cecil formed the CLAFRO JAZOP band and has been organising yearly concerts since graduating in 2021.

Cecil is presently the Chairperson for the Freetown Society in Hull and
working with a team to strengthen the twinning and special relationship
between Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone it’s twinned city.

Cecil’s big vision is to set up a Community Music Centre that will provide music training and activities that will appreciate and celebrate the rich cultures in Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone.

For the past eight years, Cecil been working for the Open Doors Project in Hull as Project Coordinator, providing welcome and practical support to people seeking sanctuary in Hull. Providing a safe space and helping them integrate into the community.

More of his entertainment and performances can be found on YouTube and Facebook where you will be musically thrilled.

Providing music education and entertainment continues to be his quest.