Meet Aneesa Folds ✨

Joining us at every YV26 tour date!

Aneesa Folds is a powerhouse vocalist, actress, and improviser best known for her work on Broadway with the Grammy-nominated and Tony Award-winning improv hip-hop group Freestyle Love Supreme.

She can also be heard as Cleon on The Warriors Album by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, alongside Lauryn Hill, Nas, Busta Rhymes, RZA and Marc Anthony. Aneesa’s additional credits include appearances on Disney Channel, Sesame Street, PBS and several projects on Netflix. A key part of American Young Voices since 2018, we’re thrilled to bring her across the pond for YV26.

We sat down with Aneesa to chat about all things YV and what it means to be part of our 30th anniversary year.

What’s it like coming back to Young Voices as a guest artist for the 30th anniversary?

Young Voices is incredibly special to me, and being invited to join for the 30th anniversary is such an honour. This is also my very first time in the UK and honestly, I can’t think of a more epic way to experience it!

Can you remember your first YV performance? What stuck with you the most?

My first YV performance was with American Young Voices in 2018 in Massachusetts. I’ve sung in choirs my whole life, but nothing compares to what YV creates. I remember feeling a lightning bolt of energy surge through me and I felt instantly connected to every single voice in the room. There’s truly nothing like it. The kids are absolute rock stars.

How did being part of Young Voices help shape your journey in music?

Young Voices reminds me of why I do what I do. At its core, it’s about joy, connection and the power of music to bring people together. I’m lucky to work as a full-time artist, and when I see those kids, I see myself. I was just like them, dreaming of singing every chance I got. I hope I show them that it is possible. And in return, they remind me what it looks like to be bold, joyful and completely free. And to just have plain old fun.

What advice would you give to kids singing with YV for the first time?

This is your moment – breathe it in, sing your heart out and enjoy every second. You’re part of something so powerful, and we’re all here cheering you on. You’ve got this!

If your younger self could see you now, what moment would make them proud?

I know my younger self wouldn’t believe what I’m doing now. I wish I could go back and give her more confidence – to tell her to keep going, because everything she dreams of is possible. I’d remind her to never stop singing, because her voice would take her further than she could imagine.

If you could describe Young Voices in just three words, what would they be?

Joyful. Magical. Powerful.