A graduate among the rising stars of jazz

One thing has become clear: the EDHEC network is made up of a vast diversity of talented individuals. From entrepreneurs to athletes and artists, they send out a positive image of our School and community by crossing between borders and generations. One of them, Tiana Ewane (BBA EDHEC 2010) has been a real source of inspiration for students and graduates pondering their career choices.

Some may remember the soloist in the Music'All EDHEC project, others may remember a classmate with infectious enthusiasm. Tiana Ewane (BBA EDHEC 2010) is now climbing her way to the top at great speed! Hers has been an astonishing journey, from bank branches to recording studios, with a voice that has impressed some of the greats, from Stevie wonder to Maceo Parker, in an artistic career that is only just beginning.

Since 2012, our graduate has been sharing the stage with Gwen. The duo are currently working on their first album with producer Femi Temowo (described by Time Out magazine as “one of the finest and most sought after guitarists in Europe), before going on to wow the public at Europe’s biggest jazz festivals.

Can you tell us briefly about your career since leaving EDHEC?

Tiana Ewane : After Espeme (formerly BBA EDHEC), I started my career in the cultural sphere with an events communication position... in a bank! Jokes aside, perhaps I would never have taken the plunge to become a musician if I haven’t started out in that bank. I met wonderful people there who encouraged me to make a living out of my passion and I followed their advice. 
I joined the music Conservatory in Lille, joined several gospel groups, formed, deformed and reformed several musical groups, sang on various stages, and met with professionals working in music with passion, energy and heart. That’s how I crossed paths with Gwen Thomas, with whom I now share the stage as part of the duo Gwen & Tiana!

How did the Gwen & Tiana project come about?

TE : Gwen & Tiana came about from an encounter, a feeling, a shared passion and an obvious connection. I met Gwen as part of a project we were working on together to produce a CD. I was living in Lille and he was living in Switzerland. We worked remotely for almost a year together and it worked out so well that we agreed we should go further. 
So I moved to Switzerland. Once I had arrived, we set up a vocal coaching school called Vocal Academy. And we also took to the stage together from time to time. With the feedback we got from those around us and the enjoyment we got from singing together, it was natural for us to decide to put our voices together to create this duo. That’s how “Gwen & Tiana” came about.

What’s next for the project?

TE : The next step will be to promote the duo to as many people as possible to increase our fan base before releasing our first album, which we’ve been working on alongside renowned guitarist and artistic director, Femi Temowo (who has played alongside Amy Winehouse, Gregory Porter, Rachelle Ferguson and many others).
We want to reach out to the public but also to professionals from the music world, like programmers, journalists or radio stations to get our music out there and get as many opportunities as possible to hit the stage.

Have you ever benefited from the EDHEC BBA Alumni network?

TE : Yes, since leaving EDHEC, I meet up with former students from time to time. I recently participated in the . 
I’m also in touch with a few members of the administration and some of the teaching staff in Lille. So whenever I’m in the region and have some free time, I come to campus to say hello.

What are your expectations from the EDHEC network?

TE : In this business, meeting people is what allows you to go far. Good fortune doesn’t just happen, you have to be dynamic, make your own luck and stay alert. So I’d like to keep creating new links and synergies with the various EDHEC generations, old and new.

All support is welcome. Here are some concrete ideas:
- contacts with professionals working in jazz and contemporary music
- people willing to talk about the project within their networks
- partners, patrons or sponsors

Since the beginning of this adventure, we’ve been shooting for the moon, but we’d settle for the stars. Our maxim is “Alone you travel faster, together you travel further”. We want to build up this duo by enlisting the help of people who share our ambitions, our high standards and our passion.

www.gwentiana.com

Follow Gwen & Tiana on social networks