Latest news with #Ghetts
Leader Live
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
Rhyl Journal
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
South Wales Guardian
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Wretch 32, Home?: dazzling work from a once-reckless youth
Did you ever expect to hear a grime rapper busting rhymes about accountancy problems? Amidst an atmospheric swirl of samples and beats on the opening track of his ambitious and compelling seventh album Home?, veteran grime star Wretch 32 does exactly that. 'I'm the GOAT but I can't afford my mortgage!' the 40-year-old Jermaine Scott snaps with pained outrage on Transitional Chapter. 'Asking my accountant how my wins become my losses? / You suffer when you boss it, try'na tweak my outgoings / There's an office in my office!' Reviewing his life, Wretch (to give him his Grime name) offers moving thoughts on the struggles of a hard-scrabble youth: 'We're deep in the gutter / Where we reached for our mothers / But they're working overtime / So there wasn't time to hug us / Now the streets we becometh.' But it's not long before he's mischievously complaining, 'I preferred when dodging bullets was my problem / This tax robbing isn't common in the House of Commons.' Right now, Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap are mired in controversy over provocative remarks, with cancelled concerts and an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. It doesn't seem so long ago that grime was a similar target, with police breaking up concerts and then-Prime Minister David Cameron denouncing the genre for 'encouraging people to carry knives and guns.' Yet in recent years, veteran Grime artists including Kano, Ghetts, Skepta and Headie One have been producing complex autobiographical works, while breakout star Stormzy has become a national treasure – his forthcoming collaboration with the National Theatre affirming hs status as an establishment figure. Having survived its reckless youth, grime has matured into one of modern Britain's richest musical styles, and this dazzling work from Wretch 32 is up there with the best. In truth, Wretch (a nickname from his mother, meaning skinny in Jamaican slang) has long been one of the most serious-minded and socially conscious grime artists. A former member of the Combination Chain Gang, he has scored pop hits, written books and poetry, and now holds a senior role as Creative Director with 0207 Def Jam. Like the best rap albums, Home? is infused with musicality, drawing on reggae, afrobeat, garage and R'n'B, punctuated by horns, guitars and a swimmy dubby sensuality. Wretch is a sharp wordsmith who also sings with a raw sweetness reminiscent of Bob Marley. It is a collaborative medium, and Wretch has marshalled outstanding talents: singers Angel, Teni, Protoje, Skip Marley and WSTRN, with punchy contributions from Little Simz, Ghetts and Top Boy star Kano. Soundbites from documentary Scenes From The Farm, about life on Tottenham's Broadwater Farm estate in the wake of the terrible mid-80s riots, give thematic focus to ideas of home and what it means to be Black and British. As a second-generation Jamaican, angered by the Windrush scandal, a sense of political frustration bubbles throughout. Yet it's not a heavy album, there's joy in the Caribbean, African and British blend, with sing-along melodies and danceable rhythms. Home? sugars bitter pills with sweet sounds. Just as revolutionaries often mature into statesmen, grime's once-controversial rebel youth are taking the reins right now in British popular music. Sometimes you just have to let people grow up.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ivor Novello Awards 2025: Lola Young nominated for Best Album and more
Lola Young leads the list of nominees for the Ivor Novello Awards. Lola Young leads the list of nominees for the Ivor Novello Awards. The 24-year-old singer has been nominated for three gongs, including Best Album, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and the Rising Star released her second studio album, 'This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway', in 2024. But she will face stiff competition for the Best Album award from Charli XCX, Ghetts, Jordan Rakei, and Ghetts, and Conor Dickinson have all been nominated for two awards each, with RAYE receiving nods in the Most Performed Work and the Best Song Musically and Lyrically categories. Tom Gray, the chair of The Ivors Academy, said: "Everyone knows The Ivors are the most joyful celebration of music making in the calendar. Many of the most talented and creative people on the planet get together to celebrate each other's exceptional originality and craft. "Congratulations to all of the remarkable nominees this year. It's a huge privilege for The Ivors Academy to champion music creation in all its forms." Jade Thirlwall - who is best known for starring in Little Mix, the chart-topping girl group - has been nominated for the Best Contemporary Song accolade for her first solo single, 'Angel of My Dreams'.Elsewhere, Wham! - the pop ground founded by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 - have received a nomination for 'Last Christmas', their 1984 hit single. However, Wham! will face competition for the Most Performed Work gong from the likes of Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Myles the nominees for the Rising Star Award with Amazon Music include Bea and her Business, Liang Lawrence, LULU., Nia Smith and Lola. The award winners will be announced at Grosvenor House in London on May 22. Full list of nominees for The Ivors 2025 with Amazon Music: Best album: Charli XCX - BratGhetts - On Purpose, With PurposeJordan Rakei - The LoopLola Young - This Wasn't Meant For You AnywayBerwyn - Who Am I Best contemporary song: Pa Salieu - AllergyJade - Angel of My DreamsSans Soucis - Circumnavigating GeorgiaGhetts ft Sampha - Double StandardsBashy - How Black Men Lose Their Smile Best song musically and lyrically: Laura Marling - Child of MineRaye - GenesisFontaines DC - In the Modern WorldLola Young - MessyOrla Gartland - Mine Most performed work: Harry Styles - As It WasDua Lipa - HoudiniWham! - Last ChristmasCassö, Raye and D-Block Europe - PradaMyles Smith - Stargazing Rising star: Bea and her BusinessLiang LawrenceLola Smith Best original film score: Fly Me To the Moon - Daniel PembertonHard Truths - Gary YershonKneecap - Michael 'Mickey J' AsanteThe Substance - RaffertieThe Zone of Interest - Mica Levi Best original video game score: Empire of the Ants - Mathieu Alvado and Mark ChoiFarewell North - John KonsolakisFlock - Eli RainsberrySenua's Saga: Hellblade II - David Garcia DiazThe Casting of Frank Stone - Boxed Ape Best television soundtrack: Black Doves - Martin PhippsMary and George - Oliver CoatesRivals - Jack Halama and Natalie HoltTrue Detective: Night Country - Vince PopeUntil I Kill You - Carly Paradis Bang Showbiz
