Jenalla Rhaine Waddington wins Youth Music UK grant

Youth Music UK’s NextGen programme provides funding to emerging artists across the country to develop and deliver ambitious year-long creative projects. Applicants are required to present a strong proof of concept, and Jenalla successfully secured funding in September 2025 to bring Kuchalo to life over the coming year. 

The album takes its name from Zambia’s national slogan, ‘Zambia Kuchalo’, which translates from Chinyanja as ‘Zambia to the world’. The phrase reflects ideals of unity, peace and a nation whose culture and values transcend borders. Through Kuchalo, Jenalla aims to place Zambian music and culture firmly on the global stage.

A British–Zambian singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Jenalla has been writing, producing and releasing music since the age of 16. She also performs with her brother as part of RHAINEFORREST, a duo whose title blends her brother Forrest’s first name with her own middle name, Rhaine. Raised in a profoundly musical family, with a professional touring singer as a mother and a father currently writing a book on music history, Jenalla grew up immersed in artistic practice. Alongside her siblings, she has pursued music professionally, and has had been met with success: her tracks have been played extensively on local and national radio, and she has held the title of ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Week’ on multiple occasions. ‘Music is my life,’ Jenalla says, ‘and it's what I've always known I will do for my career.’ 

‘Since moving to Oxford, it was only natural to continue fuelling this ambition, and I’ve since settled into the vibrant music scene, joining band after band and performing regularly across town.’

The Kuchalo project centres on the synthesis of traditional Zambian folk traditions and mythology with contemporary influences including soul and psychedelia. During recent visits to Zambia, Jenalla has undertaken detailed research to inform the album. This has included collecting folktales, recording traditional songs and children’s games, and learning about Tusona – a historical Zambian system of writing and knowledge preservation traditionally maintained and passed down by women elders.

The project has also inspired further ambitions, including a proposed interview series with Zambian artists and cultural figures exploring connections to ancestral art, history and the evolving direction of Zambia’s music industry.

Reflecting on the award, Jenalla said: ‘I am both thrilled and grateful to have been awarded this grant from an organisation that empowers young musicians from all backgrounds to create freely and dedicate resources to our respective crafts. I am sure that producing Kuchalo over the next year will be an exciting and transformative journey to embark on. The rich and diverse culture of Zambia deserves a place on the world stage, and I can’t wait to continue the legacy of my ancestors in championing our artistic voices.’

Christ Church warmly congratulates Jenalla on this significant achievement and looks forward to following the development of Kuchalo in the year ahead.