Raising the Kanneh-Masons: A Conversation with Kadiatu & Stuart Kanneh-Mason

Join WNYC host and performer Helga Davis for a conversation with Kadiatu and Stuart Kanneh-Mason, parents of Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason (making their Princeton University Concerts debut on November 29 at 3PM EST). The Kanneh-Masons discuss raising their family of seven musicians, issues of race within classical music, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason's recently released book, and more.
To RSVP for Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason's free streamed recital, please visit princetonuniversityconcerts.org.

[@RoyEaton]

I have the good fortune to have spent my life as a classical pianist with Jamaican parents.I won the first KOSCIUSZko Foundation Chopin award in 1950.congratulations on your beautiful family

[@EnneversEducationalC]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carlbrown5841]

An amazing mother I had the privilege of taking her and one of her children one Saturday morning to the Royal Academy in my London Taxi and I was amazed at how many children this very young looking lady had raised and nurtured and the journey she took on Saturday’s to bring one of her beautiful children to the academy. I had no idea of the breath of talent only that one parent had Caribbean heritage. So nice to see them both on here

[@music4kidz754]

This is a great conversation. I'm a black person of slave ancestry in America. I get how some cultures don't understand when and why blacks are enamored of classical music. Fortunately, this family didn't let others' thoughts interrupt their love of this musical genre. I'm a classical musician and educator of many years. Love it! Love this family!

[@984francis]

What I don't get is people's need to 'understand' stuff. I think it is a conceit. If you like classical music you do and that's good enough for me. I'm just glad that you are who you are and they are who they are.

[@U_neekliss]

@@984francis I hear what you're saying and the perspective could surely seem to come from a place of pride if you're thinking surface level. This is an excerpt from Kadiatu's book that I think paints a clearer picture on why it matters: "There had been an article in The Times the day before by Julian Lloyd Webber, which finally asked the question that the media had not dared name. It brought to the fore what everyone had been thinking. How did a young Black boy from a state-funded school in Nottingham get to this prestigious Final? And why was he the only one - ever?"

[@therealgodessisis]

I never ask myself why white people are enamoured with Jazz, blues, soul rock or reggea music. I love music and it is no surprise that others love it too.

[@johnhunt8388]

Wonderful interview. Could listen to Kadiatu and Stuart all day. They have so much common sense and wisdom to impart on everyone. Wonderful family. So talented.

[@hicact]

I really enjoyed this - I am a huge Kanneh-Mason fan, but I especially enjoyed Helga Davis as an interviewer. She is delightfully 'nosey' (her words) so she asks all those questions that we, the public, want to know.

[@toscanaremi]

Love the Kanneh Mason - remarkable family

[@123brickett1]

What a remarkable interview. It’s about music, of course, and wonderfully so, but it’s also about, and in the most important way, how to raise a family.

[@jenetclement3334]

I loved hearing the children on KZbin after reading your book. House of Music. Raising the Kenna Masons. I brought my students home and created a musical family. I dream the same dreams. Wonderful to see what you created family wise and Music wise. Congratulations!!! Jen Clement

[@Starritt_Piano]

I loved every minute of this conversation--thank you so much for your generosity.

[@yavettegreen3841]

Yes! Conversation! I enjoyed the conversation which I'm certain began as an interview. 😊

[@roviannematovu8136]

What a privilege to listen to.

[@AnnaE949]

Wonderfully stunning interview. I really really like the way Helga is pensive, engaging, & compassionate with her questions. I definitely have to check out their book. I find the Kanneh-Mason parents are very fascinating.... perhaps since I have a little one myself...thank you thank you thank you for sharing this interview.

[@julierambarran460]

What a blessing, wonderful parents and very inspiring gifted children, very unique family I love them, God bless you all 👏 🙏 wonderful interview too .

[@valeriesmith15]

Thank you so much.

[@pizzyg]

This is a wonderful interview!!! I first came across the Kanneh-Masons when one of their Sons played at Prince Harry and Meghan's Wedding. It was stunning!!

[@gerrygallen5911]

Yes, an excellent interview. I will be reading the book. If we all could have had parents like that!

[@pizzyg]

This family that is definitely one of the Best of British!!

[@984francis]

Largely because they are of immigrants.

[@lekis5975]

If they were of another hue they would have been HELD up as the model family, up and down the country, but....

[@cdean8283]

Loved this interview

[@jenetclement3334]

I loved your book and looked you up on google. Loved the music and the video etc .

[@frogmouth]

Really enjoyed the interview and the thoughtful nature of questions and responses. What a wonderful attitude to success and failure..

[@superAweber]

"If you're not consumed by a passion for music then you shouldn't be a musician."

[@WendyInCollingwood]

Thank You Very Much ✨ Wonderful Very Gifted Family ✨ It’s A Delight To Listen To The Kanneh Mason Family On Spotify ✨ Their Music Is Fun, Light & Joyful

[@MoonlightNothing]

What a beautiful interviewer! Thank you ❤ Helga Davis. 😊 👏👏👏👏👏

[@nicolamccarthy6818]

Wonderful interview : wonderful family

[@ItachisOnly1]

Splendid interview, with insightful questions and a thoughtful host.

[@rakisuccess0813]

This was so inspirational. What a beautiful and powerful couple. I love their value base, togetherness and commitment to enabling and empowering their beautiful7 children. Such gifted children. What a wonderful joy and blessings. I saw Sheku recently in Birmingham, amazing.

[@marilynwade9448]

I can't think how they could make a larger contribution to society

[@DavidSeruyange]

What beautiful people. What a privilege to listen to their insights on music, parenting, and pursuit of ideals. I am so inspired.

[@EkowAbban226]

A good couple ..very proud of you..Gadd Davis, pianist

[@andrewwilliams2193]

What an amazing family. I need to find this book now.

[@RoyEaton]

I knew there was a Caribbean element in this beautiful family.

[@7MoonSonoma]

Beautiful 🤩

[@RoyEaton]

Beautiful story

[@jame2182]

Profound

[@flourishbymamakazorae5707]

❤❤

[@984francis]

"It's very important to believe in your children." YES!

[@stephaniesmith6643]

Wonderful reflections expressed by this exceptional couple. Blessings!

[@mizofan]

Very enjoyable interview. Marvellous couple and family, really inspiring and yes kind. That kindness shines through them all. They make me feel better about life. Like Kadiatu's mum i'm white from Wales- where Kadi was brought up after her father died in Sierra Leone. My own childhood heroes were Muhammad Ali, Welsh rugby players Gareth Edwards and Barry John, football goalie Peter Bonetti, and cricketers Majid Khan and Viv Richards the great Antiguan batsman mentioned here. I am so pleased the children are all doing so well, and breaking down stereotypes and limited expectations over what black people can achieve. Love and best wishes to you all.

[@nathanvancesr2409]

Absolutely amazing! 2020-2025

[@jmgm6795]

Amazing human beings. Amazing parents, so sensitive and smart. Amazing children. Something to be proud of. LOVE & Classical Music

[@gerarddonel7232]

Amazing: amazing parents had 7 amazing children

[@besainygolf2899]

What an insightful interview! The Kanneh-Masons are amazing parents with great sensitivity to their children’s abilities and gifts, and believed in their futures. I applaud them.

[@gerardmathijsen1763]

Wonderful inspiring