BEMZ, Scotland On Sunday, 24 October 2021
BEMZ | Common Ground Fest Artist of the Week in Scotland On Sunday, 24 October 2021
Words by Derick Mackinnon and Olaf Furniss. Read on Scotsman.com https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/music
Rapper and DJ, Bemz spent the first 14 years of his life in South London, before going to live with his aunt and scientist uncle in Stranraer. A year after his arrival, he began free-styling with his brother, with influences ranging from gospel, to Fela Kuti and UK rap superstar, Giggs. In 2017, he began a new lyrical journey, writing about his own life experiences, which in turn has been rewarded with growing interest in his music, which is eminently listenable.
Nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award for his 2020 release, Saint of Lost Causes, he has been championed by the likes of BBC Radio Scotland and The Skinny, not to mention landing support slots both in Scotland and England with The Snuts. Although his next domestic live fixture is not until 13 January, headlining the King Tut’s New Year Revolution, look out for his afro-house DJ sets at SWG3. And once COP26 is over, he’ll be heading to Kelvingrove Gallery to shoot a video which will be premiered in the new year. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify
Taking place at QMU in Glasgow on 6 November during COP26, Common Ground Fest brings together musicians, politicians, activists and the general public with the goal of transforming the economy to one that creates shared wellbeing for people and planet. Presented by FiiS (Festival Internacional de Innovación Social), WEAll (Wellbeing Economy Alliance) and PCL, the programme includes sessions featuring Caroline Lucas MP, Katherine Trebeck, Sandrine Dixson, Pat Kane, Julieta Martinez, Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari), as well as music from The Fratellis, The Dalmar Chorus (Kapil Seshasayee, Willie Campbell), Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Sacred Paws and kitti, doors 4pm FREE entry see https://www.commongroundfest.org
BEMZ | Common Ground Fest Artist of the Week in Scotland On Sunday, 24 October 2021