The search is on for new local talent for the annual Midlands Black music festival (Bass Festival).
Local company 2Funky Arts is inviting music fans and artists from across Leicestershire to get involved in the seventh Bass Festival (British Arts & Street Sounds), which also marks the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.
Taking place on Saturday 21 July, the festival is supported by Leicester City Council and PRS for Music Foundation. Singers and MC’s, particularly those with Jamaican influences, will have the chance to take part in the workshops and sing-a-long in the open mic sessions, before several established artists take the stage.
Having a strong track record of spotting talented artists early in their career, organisers have helped catapult several newcomers to the British mainstream musical scene. Bass has previously seen in its line up the likes of Brit Award winner Emili Sande and internationally known MC Rodney P. UK Album Chart Topper Sande performed at Leicester’s Souq club in 2008, while MC Rodney P gave some music lessons at Embrace Arts.
Vijay Mistry, director of 2Funky Arts and business manager expert, said: “We’re thrilled to have Bass back in Leicester and hope that we can preview a few more stars in the making this year.”
Pioneered by Punch Records and their CEO Ammo Talwar MBE, the festival will be held at The Music Café and Sumo Bar in Braunstone Gate.The full programme and further information about this year’s line-up will soon be available from the official website at www.2funkyarts.co.uk.
