The Hitrz courtesy of Annie Kruntcheva
Enjoying a resurgence, currently dominating the airwaves, Grime has taken the world by storm. Artists such as Stormzy, Dave, Little Simz, Headie One, Ms Banks amongst others engaging a new age of listeners. Having both been instrumental in the Grime scene, legends Prince Owusu-Agyekum aka Rapid, who has written songs for critically acclaimed artist Tinchy Strider and artist Ebenezer Ayerh aka Slix look to nurture the next generation of Grime talent – whether they look to pursue a career on stage or of. Their organisation, Ruff Squad Arts Foundation having supported the stars of tomorrow since 2017. Getting ready to host Ruff Sqwad presents Lights Up as part of Certain Blacks’ Heroes Festival on 4th February at Rich Mix, the inspirational duo tell us more about the artists taking part and what to expect!
Hi Prince and Ebenezer AKA Ruff Sqwad, you’ll be hosting Lights Up on 4th Feb which forms Certain Blacks’ 9th festival titled ‘Heroes’ at Rich Mix. How are you feeling ahead of the event?
We are so excited and can’t wait for 4th February to come, so much young, hungry talent under one roof is definitely a night not to be missed!
Currently, we’re breaking down exactly what intersectionality looks like and how this plays out in reality. Everyone with their very own unique set of experiences that continue to impact how they interact with the outside world. Delving into this further with solo performance Mix Race MixTape, Professor in Performing Arts at Stockholm University of the Arts John-Paul Zaccarini presents Mix Race, an exploration of the political and emotional minefield of intersectionality with poignancy. Ahead of its showing on 3rd February at Rich Mix as part of Certain Blacks Heroes Festival, John-Paul tells us more about creating the show, what it means to form part of Certain Blacks’ ninth festival and what audiences can expect!
Renowned for showcasing the work of diverse artists across a multitude of disciplines, arts development organisation Certain Blacks continue on with their mission as they present their latest eclectic line up in their upcoming Shipbuilding Festival. A week long event exploring ‘what it is to be British and diverse in these challenging times’, post pandemic, Brexit and Black Lives Matter. Marking the conclusion of their year long development programme, the festival will present four different works, one of which including a performance from dance duo Alleyne Dance, consisting of identical twins Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Acknowledged for their fusion of a range of dance styles, from West African dance to Kathak, originating from India performing to create resonant sequences – their latest work, A Night’s Game will be performed on Friday 18th February and seeks inspiration from stories of imprisonment, escape and fighting for freedom. Ahead of their performance, the duo tell us more about exploring these themes further, what it means to take part in Certain Black’s pertinent showcase and what they’ve taken away from working on the piece!
Certain Blacks return with their latest festival, ‘Circus Circus Circus’, a mixed programme of live art, spoken word, jazz, opera and circus. An eclectic performance line up, Certain Blacks continue on their mission to showcase works exploring themes via various theatrical forms. Bringing his latest show 24 Italian Songs and Arias to Rich Mix London on Friday 8th November, Performance Artist and Storyteller Brian Lobel’s production is an exploration of failure, loss and family; presented in the form of an operatic recital. Joined by soprano Gweneth Ann Rand, both performers reflect on previous experiences. Brian tells us more about the show!