Alexander Angelo Dino Allen known professionally as Yamakozo^[1] is a producer, author, lyricist, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Alex was born in Manchester, United Kingdom in 2005 to parents Julian Allen and Nadia Allen. His upbringing was that of a middle-class suburban household and from an early age Alex showed signs of creativity. He got his first big break when being accepted into the Guildhall School Of Music and Drama . He went on to perform both as a leader and sideman with artists such as Peonie^[2] and Robin Banerjee^[3] formerly of the Amy Winehouse band.

Alex studied at Xaverian college acquiring A levels in English, Music and Music Production Technology. During this time he had a brief career at Boots and Greggs.

Published as an author after winning a short story competition.

Young musician of the year Xaverian college.

After joining Xaverian college in 2021 Alex's proficiency as both a jazz guitarist and double bassist was noted by his professor. With Alex going on to be nominated for the 'Young Musician of the Year award' for his guitar improvisation skills. Subsequently, Alex began to study the Contrabass and joined the Xaverian College Concert Orchestra (conducted by Andrew Levendis^[4]) between the years of 2021-2024 both as a student and professionally. Live recordings and documentation exist of the Orchestra's performances feauturing Allen on the double bass at the RNCM in 2021, 2022 performing works by the likes of Berlioz, Beethoven, Brahms, John Williams and others. The Orchestra also travelled for a televised BBC event held at the Royal Albert Hall on the 27th November 2024.

During his time at Xaverian College Alex also was a member of the Concert Choir and subsequently performed at LLangolen in 2024 as part of its Choral festival^[5]. He too was a part of the String Player's Orchestra where by playing and studying the works of classical and baroque composers Alex developed his analytical skills and knowledge of Classical music and it's composition and performance.

During his time at Guildhall school of Music and Drama, Alex joined fellow songwriter Peonie's live band going on to form a working relationship and becoming part of the musical writing process. Performances with this band spanned from 2024-mid 2025 and included residencies at Stereo, Covent Garden^[6] as well as Alex's first public appearances as an acommpanist at Land beyond festival^[7] , BBC introuducing and more. Alex and Peonie also wrote together on several studio dates held at Metropolis Studios and worked with notable producers such as Fab Campbell^[8][9] and Jamal Woon^[10][11]. In this time he has shared the stage with singer Kemani Anderson of the band Secret Night Gang and up-and coming composer/singer Lucy Joy. He also has recorded commercially for rapper/songwriter Max Valentine^[12].

• 97% (2025)

• Upcoming Peonie album due for release 2026