At the heart of this performance stands Lady Leshurr, a luminary of grime whose razor-sharp lyricism has earned her a cult following far beyond her native Birmingham. From her viral ‘Queen’s Speech‘ series to her MOBO Award for Best Female Act in 2016, Leshurr has continually pushed the boundaries of grime, blending humour, social commentary, and bold wordplay.

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Joining her is an eclectic roster of local heavyweights, including Jaykae, Big Dog Yogo, and RoxXxan. Together, they form a sonic tapestry that reflects Birmingham’s kaleidoscopic identity, one shaped by migration, industry, and resilience.

The concept of LEGACY is as much about music as it is about bridging divides—of class, culture, and sound. It is also a testament to Birmingham’s unique position as a city perpetually reinventing itself.

Grime—a genre born in the council estates of East London but now deeply embedded in Birmingham’s DNA—is not a natural bedfellow for classical music. The former thrives on raw immediacy, the latter on careful deliberation. Yet, it is in their contrast that LEGACY will hopefully find its power. Tracks like Lady Leshurr’s ‘Queen’s Speech’ and Jaykae’s ‘Toothache’ will be reimagined with lush strings and brass, while the CBSO’s repertoire will embrace grime’s infectious rhythms and stark honesty.

Emma Stenning, the orchestra’s chief executive, described grime as one of Birmingham’s “defining musical languages” and expressed hope that the collaboration would offer “new perspectives.”

The event is part of a wider endeavour to make orchestral music more accessible, as Stenning is quoted noting: “How do we make the symphony hall more welcoming and a place where people feel comfortable and themselves and how do we protect that space so that it is right for artists and so that people engage in the music in the best possible way?”

As Symphony Hall fills on April 12, the audience will reflect Birmingham’s shifting demographics: grime enthusiasts mingling with classical aficionados, young faces next to seasoned concertgoers. The music will, with any luck, provide the bridge, transcending genre and expectation.

“LEGACY” will feature performances by 15 of Birmingham’s leading music artists, including:

Lady Leshurr
Big Dog Yogo
Jaykae
Sox
C4
RoxXxan
Saf One
Trilla
T Roadz
Mayhem
Brixx
CreezOn
NODB (Ace 1, Fiasqo, Fist RS)
Pressure0121
Trappy