Directed by Ade Femzo, we follow a typical day in the life of six hopeful musicians along with studio sessions with Kojey Radical as they bring their unique perspectives into what they make. This is the second instance of projects Kojey Radical is involved with (which are funded by Dr Marten’s “Tough As You” initiative). We see a case of this artist seeking to break the divisions that make creating music a luxury only some can afford.  In finding ways for communities of young people to express themselves in social spaces, those who for so long have been underrepresented in such a fickle industry can join the conversation through art. Watch the promo for this new film down below:

Discussing the aim of his latest endeavours, Kojey Radical stated; “You can’t beat that youthful excitement to be here – if you can give that opportunity to young people that really want it and you can see and feel that hunger that’s what it’s about. It’s inspiring for me; it’s inspiring to them and it’s only going to do good things in the long run.”

Through Music We Rise is set to launch a free screening on the 27^th of June 2022 at Concorde, Homerton which will also feature a panel discussion between Kojey Radical and Rise 365 to raise awareness for his mentorship scheme with particular focus on those growing up on the Kingsmead Estate in East London.

Kojey Radical is set to hit the stage at a bunch of festivals this summer as well as a few headline shows at some major venues here in the UK. Check out the list of where you’re likely to find him in the following list:

Tour Dates

24/06/2022- Glastonbury (Lonely Heart Stage)- Somerset, UK
26/06- Glastonbury (Other Stage)- Somerset, UK
01/07- El Dorado Festival- Herefordshire, UK
22/07- Bluedot Festival- Macclesfield, UK
23/07- Standon Calling Festival- Standon, UK
29/07- Liverpool International Music Festival- Liverpool, UK
27/08- Lost Village Festival- Lincolnshire, UK
03/09- Forwards Festival- Bristol, UK
10/09- Naked City Festival- London, UK
01/11- Manchester Albert Hall- Manchester, UK
02/11- SWG3 TV Studio- Glasgow, UK
03/11- O2 Academy Brixton- London, UK

Tickets can be found here.

Reason to Smile will feature two singles of his that have already been released, “War Outside” featuring Lex Amor, and “Gangsta”. The former track “War Outside” garnered wider attention earlier this year after featuring on the most recent FIFA soundtrack, promoting his listenership far beyong UK borders. Watch the video for “War Outside” below:

Kojey Radical has been a big name in UK music for a while. The track “Cashmere Tears” became a huge hit, resonating with fans beyond UK rap for its late-night chill beat, with the lyrics “I like that” almost becoming his signature. Appearing alongside UK rap legend Ghetts, he featured on the massive “Bad After We”, taken from Shy FX’s Raggamuffin Soundtape. The versatility in his voice to seduce and sedate on one track to growl and scare on another has made him an interesting figure in UK rap, a vocal style similar to Backroad Gee. It will be interesting to see how he balances these energies on the upcoming project, or whether he ditches the scare tactics entirely for a broader sound.

Judging by the two aforementioned singles, “War Outside” and “Gangsta”, we can infer that he is trying to land a middle ground between the chill vibes we heard on tracks like “Cashmere Tears” and the club vibes akin to artists like Kaytranada. Indeed, “War Outside” reads much like a Kaytranada track, with squelchy bass-beats, shuffling hi-hats, and glistening keys. He has always had this tendency for club-like beats, as seen on his track “Selfish” from his early EP 23 Winters. That EP also contained some dark and heavy tracks, like “Rents Due”, a beat that would instill the fear of God into any man. This is the kind of versatility we have come to expect from Kojey from the very beginning, and the kind we’d expect in plentiful supply on his upcoming album.

Though a speculative point, one can expect something on the harder side with a feature from Cashh, who, on his most recent album Return of the Immigrant, included some drill beats. Especially from Wretch 32, we’d be expecting Kojey to get a bit grimey with it. But we never know; Cashh may want to bang a hook, Wretch might be spitting some chill bars. We will have to wait and see, and I’m sure many fans are waiting with baited breath for a debut LP from such a UK heavyweight.

The producer has brilliantly executed his talent on the new track, which boasts an array of features – from synths and strings to bass. The strong funk elements that Swindle is known to produce are also evident, making the track perfect for the summer it has been released into.

In discussion of ‘Lost’ Swindle stated that “this song for me is about integrity and features artists who I feel have great amounts of it” and that “Kojey and I have worked together many times before and Loyle I have always been a big fan of. This is the first time they have ever been on a track together so it’s a great honour, with JNR Williams’ voice really tying it all together”.

It is no wonder that Swindle took to instagram to write “team work makes the dreamwork” when notifying followers about his new release. The fusion of Kojey Radical, Loyle Carner and Jnr Williams showcases the brilliance of some of the UK’s best on the music scene, not to mention the incredible lyricism from Loyle and Kojey. This lyricism is executed in the bars of both artists, as they exchange in words concerning success and loss. Along with the vibrant, jazzy production at the hands of Swindle, the track is tied together effortlessly, and is not one to miss.

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A post shared by Swindle (@swindleuk)

‘Lost’ is Swindle’s first solo release since ‘No More Normal’ which came out back in 2019 and highlighted his fearlessness to intricately fuse genres such as grime and jazz. It is no doubt that his new release marks the return of this unique and effective production.

You can listen to ‘Lost’, featuring Loyle Carner, Kojey Radical and JNR Williams, here.

#MOBOAwards season is almost here. You ready?! pic.twitter.com/Oa469Xzyft

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) November 23, 2020

The full show will be livestreamed on YouTube on the 9th of December at 7pm. The BBC will then show a hightlight show the same night at 10:35pm. BBC Radio 1Xtra will also be covering the awards starting on Sunday 6th December from 9pm with a special 1Xtra Talks show hosted by Richie Brave which will look back at the last 24 years of MOBO history and look at how music has changed and evolved over the last two decades.

The hosts for the awards show was announced yesterday as presenter Maya Jama and comedian Chunkz. There will also be performances on the night from Headie One, Ms Banks, Kojey Rachal and Tiwa Savage.

YAAAAAS. Very very excited for this one! Il be back hosting the 2020 #MOBOAwards this time with my hunty @Chunkz & it’s gna be on @YouTube & @BBCOne Congratulations to all the nominees see you next month pic.twitter.com/8ZBZut3VPQ

— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) November 24, 2020

Speaking about the awards show, founder Kanya King said; “Recognising the unique role the MOBO Awards plays for so many, and the challenging year we find ourselves in, it is now more important than ever to be there and to continue the rich history of showcasing the very best of black music and culture. We are proud to partner with YouTube and the BBC to bring this year’s celebration to millions of music fans, and continue to uplift creative voices here in the UK and around the world.”

YouTube Music’s Director of EMEA, Dan Chalmers said; “It’s a real privilege to be partnering with The MOBO Awards to bring a global audience to such an important British music event. It’s vital that artists and creators from across all backgrounds, genres and sounds are given a platform to build an audience and fanbase. I’m honoured to continue to lift up and support the Black British music community, which continues to be at the heart of the music experience in the UK. I look forward to watching the nominees and winners on this special night and supporting them on their journey forwards.” 

The MOBO awards will be livestreamed on YouTube at 7pm on the 9th of December. The full list of nominations is below.

Best Male Act
Headie One
J Hus
Stormzy
Nines
AJ Tracey
Young T & Bugsey

Best Female Act
Lianna La Havas
Ms Banks
Tiana Major9
Mahalia
Darkoo
FKA Twigs

Album Of The Year
J Hus – Big Conspiracy
Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head
Mahalia – Love And Compromise
Nines – Crabs In A Bucket
Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas

Song Of The Year
Young T & Bugsey – Don’t Rush (feat Headie One)
Digga D – Woi Darkoo – Gangsta (feat Acen)
Tion Wayne – I Dunno (feat Stormzy and Dutchavelli)
Abra Acadabra – On Deck

Best Newcomer
Aitch
Alicaì
Darkoo
Dutchavelli
Ivorian Doll
M1llionz
Miraa May
Pa Salieu
Shaybo
Tiana Major9
M Huncho
Loski

Video of the Year
Bree Runway – Apeshit
Nines – Clout
NSG - Lupita
Jorja Smith - By Any Means
Knucks - Home
Kojey Radical - 20/20

Best R&B/Soul Act
WSTRN
Tiana Major9
Michael Kiwanuka
Mahalia
Lianne La Havas

Best Hip-Hop Act
J Hus
Nines
Ms Banks
D-Block Europe
Krept & Konan
Potter Payper

Best Grime Act
Ghetts
P Money
Manga Saint Hilare
Capo Lee
JME

Best International Act
Burna Boy
Drake
Koffee
Megan Thee Stallion
Pop Smoke
Popcaan
Roddy Ricch
Rema
Shenseea
Summer Walker
H.E.R
Lil Baby

Best Performance in a TV Show/Film
Kane Robinson – Top Boy
Michaela Coel - I May Destroy You
Ncuti Gatwa – Sex Education
Jessica Plummer - EastEnders
Micheal Ward - Blue Story
Damson Idris - Snowfall

Best Media Personality
Munya Chawawa
Chunkz
Yung Filly
Mo Gilligan
Clara Amfo
Maya Jama
Henrie Kwushue
KSI
Harry Pinero
Zeze Millz

Best Album 2017-2019
Dave – Psychodrama
Kano – Hoodies All Summer
Ella Mai - Ella Mai
Skepta - Ignorance is Bliss
Nines - Crop Circle
Little Simz - Grey Area

Best African Act
Burna Boy
Tiwa Savage
Davido
Fireboy DML
Rema
Master KG
Adekunle Gold
NSG
Afro B
WizKid
StoneBwoy
Shatta Wale

Best Reggae Act
Popcaan
Koffee
Lila Iké
Buju Banton
Protoje

Best Gospel Act
Calledout Music
Noel Robinson
Guvna B
The Kingdom Choir
Shekinah

Best Jazz Act
Moses Boyd
Joe Armon-Jones
Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes
Yazmin Lacey
Ego Ella May

Best Producer
Jae 5
808 Melo
Sir Spyro
TSB
Steel Banglez
M1onthbeat

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A BRAND NEW MUSIC SHOW To mark this year’s #WorldMentalHealthDay, three of Britain’s most celebrated Black artists, @che_lingo, @arlo.parks and @kojeyradical, are performing one of their tracks and sharing personal stories that have inspired them to speak their mind through music with our #IAMWHOLE Founder, @jordanfstephens. Watch the full show on @channel4 or All 4 this Friday at 11:05pm. You don’t want to miss it. . . . #WMHD2020 #IAMWHOLE #TWT #TheWholeTruth #WholeTruth

A post shared by #IAMWHOLE (@iamwholeuk) on Oct 7, 2020 at 8:15am PDT

The artists will perform their own songs and then join together to have an open and honest conversation about their mental health experiences. They will share personal stories that have inspired them to express themselves through their art. They will also talk about the impact of the pandemic on their mental health as well as the pain they have faced this year because of the protests and every day racial injustices.

In a statement about the show, Jordan Stephens’ said: “Our intention is to shed light on mental health from the perspective of cultures not often centred in the conversation. This is not about shoving a load of Black faces into a TV spot during the one gracious month of blackness that our calendar so kindly offers, just to tick a diversity box. This is about providing space for silenced communities.”

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TOMORROW. To mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, three of Britain’s most celebrated Black artists @che_lingo, @arlo.parks and @kojeyradical perform one of their tracks and share personal stories that have inspired them to speak their mind through music. #TheWholeTruth tomorrow 11:05pm. #WMHD2020 In partnership with @iamwholeuk

A post shared by Channel 4 (@channel4) on Oct 8, 2020 at 4:01am PDT

#IAMWHOLE is an anti-stigma mental health campaign developed in partnership with the NHS and YMCA, the world’s largest youth charity, and was launched in 2016 by Jordan Stephens. #IAMWHOLE recently launched Digital Detox Day, which encouraged people to stay off social media for one whole day, on the 5th of September. The project collaborated with Lush, Social Media star Zoe Sugg and The Royal Society of Public Health.

The Whole Truth will air on Channel 4, tomorrow, October 9th at 11.05pm and will also be broadcast across 4Music and Channel 4’s online platforms later this month.

Swindle and Kojey Radical are a dynamic duo, and the promotional single demonstrated the breadth of their talent. Radical crafted a raft of football inspired lyrics across Swindle’s diverse instrumental. He also addresses the Corona-virus and the Black Lives Matter campaign, as he charted the course of the football season.

Swindle builds the track upon a beat of authentic trumpets, strings and drums. As a result, the track transitions from a triumphant blaze that echoes the ‘Escape to Victory‘ soundtrack, to a poignant, poetic, crescendo.

The track, and accompanying visual, have almost amassed 1 million views on Twitter, despite it only being released on Sunday. It is currently unclear whether he will release the single on Spotify, despite its popularity.

It is not the first time that Swindle and Kojey Radical have collaborated, to devastating effect. Swindle produced Kojey’s hit single Coming Home in 2018. Kojey repaid the favour by featuring prominently on Swindles 2019 project, No More Normal.

‘Time For A New Season’ encapsulates a tumultuous few months. Kojey Radical’s lyrical ability partners Swindles instrumental talent to create an emotional roller-coaster of a track. The single’s football framework allows for an easy journey that charts the years social upheaval, over the course of the season.

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With the incredible @kojeyradical in collaboration with @btsport for the @championsleague final

A post shared by Swindle (@swindleuk) on Aug 23, 2020 at 1:34am PDT