The brightest new star in classical music pays tribute to the mentors and heroes who have spurred him on on his extraordinary journey, from Jacqueline du Pr to Bob Marley. In his debut album, ‘Inspiration’ the Young Musician of the Year winner now aims to inspire the next generation.

Sheku won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition playing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No.1. The work forms the album’s centrepiece, a recording taken from live performances with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its dynamic young Music Director, Mirga Grainyit?-Tyla, at Symphony Hall, Birmingham and the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, Sheku’s home city.

The album also includes new arrangements of ‘No Woman No Cry’ and the ever-popular ‘Hallelujah’ as performed at the BAFTAS.

Sheku hopes this recording will provide inspiration in turn for a young, diverse audience: “I’ve had amazing opportunities to learn music at the highest level, and I would love to see many more children have the opportunity to play an instrument, no matter how far they take it in future”