Music Reviews
All Points East returns to London’s Victoria Park on Friday 21 August 2026 with a lineup that celebrates global R and B, Afrobeats, and rising UK talent.
Magazine Open Air arrives on Greenwich Peninsula this summer, introducing a new way for London to experience electronic music outdoors. Created by Broadwick Live, the team behind Printworks and Drumsheds, the series transforms a previously unused riverside space beside Magazine London into an open sky dancefloor framed by the capital’s skyline.
The 2026 MOBO Awards are set to take over Manchester’s Co-op Live on 26 March with an electrifying line-up celebrating three decades of Black music and culture. Joining already announced stars Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage and the Grime 25 medley with Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E curated by DJ Target are Mancunian rap sensation Aitch and British singer-songwriter Myles Smith.
London’s celebrated dancehall brand MAGGI Brunch is stepping into Amsterdam with a vibrant new energy, bringing its culture led takeover experience to the city’s nightlife scene on Sunday 31 May. Known for transforming venues into high intensity dance spaces, MAGGI has built a strong reputation for championing authentic Jamaican sound, movement, and community driven atmosphere.
Alt soul artist The Isle Of CC returns with Day We Met featuring Steven Bamidele, a warm and emotionally honest track that leans into the complicated thoughts we rarely admit out loud.
On their sixth full length album Balancing Act, Copenhagen based duo Vinyl Floor once again prove that melodic rock is very much alive and quietly evolving.
Lil Baby kicks off The Leaks with Mrs. Trendsetter, a smooth and confident opener that celebrates his journey from Atlanta grind to Grammy winning superstar. The track glides on slick production as Baby flexes luxury, sharp focus and veteran calm, sounding fully aware of his influence.
Twenny is back to carve out his lane with his new single ‘lets go’! Twenny speaks directly to a generation that knows the pressure of expectation, limited options, and the need to move smart just to survive. His music feels less like performance and more like a conversation with friends who understand the same streets, the same temptations, and the same pride.
Artist Spotlight
In this playful Artist Spotlight, we catch up with Sun-El Musician as he unpacks his latest album Under The Sun. From soulful moments with Manana to respect from Black Coffee and Ami Faku, he shares growth, gratitude, and global groove.
South London powerhouse Fliptrix returns with Freedom? alongside Coops, delivering another bold statement via High Focus Records. Produced by Forest DLG, Elevation features General Levy, Frisco, Kamakaze and Da Flyy Hooligan. Eleventh album. Nineteen tracks. Big energy, sharp insight, serious elevation.
From Warri to worldwide playlists, Great Adamz brings Afrobeat, emotion, and energy to every record. With over eight million streams, collaborations with Manuel Riva, and dreams of working with Burna Boy, he shares laughs, lessons, and big ambitions in this fun Artist Spotlight Q and A for curious music lovers.
Newcastle rapper and producer NE-O returns with ONE, his first EP in five years. Writing and producing all five tracks himself, he links up with Hull legend Chiedu Oraka, sells out merch-fueled shows, and takes Reading and Leeds by storm, proving the North East rap scene is loud, proud, and thriving.
Quiet Man pairs Treading Water and Closer To The Edge as twin emotional worlds shaped by family memories upheaval and that free Gumtree piano. BBC Introducing support festival slots with Pitchfork Live at Leeds and SWN and early days with Fred Gibson and Henry Counsell fuel his raw intimate sound and playful self doubt.
With her new single Time, Ni Maxine turns introspection into liberation. Blending soul, jazz, and storytelling, she unpacks what it means to be called “strong” while feeling vulnerable, exploring the shared exhaustion of Black womanhood and the power in slowing down.
Afterz brings together Très Chill’s visual worldbuilding and Troy.’s multigenre magic, first linking on Azekel’s Chocolati featuring Nao. With support from Jamz Supernova, Notion and NTS, plus collabs with Hugo Cottu and more, their project The Midnight Cafe serves late night flavour with sounds from Lagos, London, Rio and beyond.
With over 280 million people affected by depression worldwide, Matreya's new single I Saw the Light hits deep. Blending ancestral chants shimmering synths and raw truth, the rising artist turns pain into power. From Reiki to rollercoaster beats she’s not just making music he’s sparking healing one track at a time.
Exclusive Premieres
UK based Nigerian hip hop artist Fecko returns with fresh energy on his uplifting single Make Sense, a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Known for conscious lyricism and cross cultural storytelling, the Coventry based rapper once again proves that motivation and vulnerability can live comfortably in the same space.
Money Mykez is back with Lose My Number, a banger that blends Afrobeats, Dancehall, and UK Rap into one irresistible track.
Watching IYAMAH’s In Two Worlds at the iconic House of KOKO was an experience to remember—made even better with a free pair of Ray-Bans from the film’s sponsor!
Leeds-based nu-gaze trio Lozenge makes a striking entrance with their debut single, "Interloper," offering a captivating glimpse into their sonic universe.
Lowkey-E's "No Help" is like a shot of musical adrenaline, a self-produced anthem that's all about doing things your way.
Lincoln Roy's latest jam, "2 Shots," is like a musical melting pot that's as chill as it gets. Hailing from the streets of South Los Angeles with some Caribbean spice, Lincoln's vibe is all about that laid-back fusion of Hip-hop and Afrofusion.
Aretha Fontaine's "Restore My Mind" from the debut EP "Therapy Notes" is a soulful masterpiece that effortlessly captures the essence of personal growth and resilience.
In the heart of the Australian R&B scene, a dynamic force known as Lauren Greco, formerly GRCO, is setting the stage ablaze with her vibrant, unapologetically bold, and ambitiously soulful talent. Her latest offering, "YOU LIED," is a sultry banger that encapsulates the very essence of her extraordinary musical journey.
EVENTS
slacs bianci - breeze
Brighton is calling again, and this May the sound of new music takes over the seaside as The Great Escape celebrates twenty years of discovery, unforgettable gigs, and future stars finding their moment. From 13 to 16 May 2026, the festival returns with more energy, more artists, and more reasons to wander from venue to venue chasing your next favourite act.