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DONOVAN HAFFNER
@ Ronnie
Scott’s Upstairs
18th July
2026 → 2 x Sets 18:20 & 21:00
BOOKINGS → https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/donovan-haffner
“ South
London’s Donovan Haffner has got off to a flying start – released an album,
played with everyone on the UK jazz scene and garnered plaudits and prizes.” —
Jazzwise
'Breakthrough
Act of the Year' winner at the 2026 Jazz FM Awards, Donovan Haffner is an
alto saxophonist born and raised in South-East London. At 11, he joined the
highly respected Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Artist Development Programme,
mentored by Gary Crosby OBE, Binker Golding and Alex Davis, quickly
establishing himself as a standout talent and touring with multi-award-winning
drummer Moses Boyd by the age of 18.
Since
studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, Haffner has performed with artists
including Jay Phelps, Charlie Stacey and Balimaya Project, as well as
collaborating with Danish pianist Rasmus Sørensen and Paul Cornish at the EFG
London Jazz Festival. He was also selected by Tony Kofi to perform with Charles
Tolliver’s Big Band, and remains closely connected to Tomorrow’s Warriors,
performing with Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Jazz Jamaica.
Donovan's
growing reputation as a bandleader and composer in his own right is set to see
Donovan come to the attention of jazz fans across the country. In 2025, he
toured with his band across various jazz venues in the UK to a great reception,
Now
emerging as a compelling bandleader and composer, Haffner has been building a
strong reputation across the UK, including a widely praised 2025 tour. His
debut album Alleviate, recorded with his band, is a striking contemporary jazz
release that captures his rapidly developing talent.
→ WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO
→ DONOVAN HAFFNER WEBSITE
→ LISTEN TO / BUY
DEBUT ALBUM ‘ALLEVIATE’