With an illustrious lineup of artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Caribbean and African musical genres, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. Headlining the event are acclaimed performers such as Capleton, Busy Signal, Shy FX, and Iration Steppas. Joining them are talents like Cameroonian-American singer Libianca and the innovative dub sound system crew Channel One, enriching the festival’s offerings with depth and diversity.

In addition to these headliners, the festival further boasts a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, and many more. This year’s festival showcases a full lineup of exceptional talent from various corners of the world, with esteemed acts like Jamaica’s Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Busy Signal also gracing the stage. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic display of musical talent, honouring the rich and vibrant heritage of Caribbean and African music.

City Splash Festival stands as a testament to the profound impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond, showcasing the abundant legacy of genres like Roots, Dub, and Dancehall while embracing the evolution of Jungle and Garage music.

Featuring seven unique stages offering “diverse sounds and vibes,” attendees can immerse themselves in a medley of musical experiences. Additionally, with over 45 Black-owned food traders tantalising taste buds (delivered in partnership with Black Eats LDN), authentic rum stalls, and engaging panel talks, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Brixton, Brockwell Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, underscoring the area’s rich history and cultural significance. More than just a music event, City Splash Festival is a vital cultural melting pot that celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black music, food, dance, and style.

As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, City Splash Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the diversity and richness of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. Tickets are available for purchase for the bank holiday celebration here.

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The track dropped last Thursday and with no video, currently sits on 50,000 Spotify streams. The track features all 3 members of the West London collective and is the first track the trio has released since “Mama Say” which they dropped in March and currently sits on just under 2.5 million youtube views.

Despite having gone quiet in terms of making music as a group, Wstrn has been keeping their name relevant appearing on shows or features as a group or individually. The group appeared as guest judges on The BBCs rap game hosted by south London rap duo Krept and Konan judging the contestants on their ability to make a summer banger and good music video, two things Wstn are known for since their arrival on the scene with “In2 “ in 2015.

Haile has appeared alongside Shaybo on her new tape  Queen of the south appearing on the single “Friendly”. While Louis has also made a few features appearing alongside Jordan McCann on his “Risk it all” remix as well as featuring alongside collective Vibbar on their new single “Come my way”.

Fireboy DML is one of the biggest Alte stars coming out of Nigeria, in the same week he announced his feature alongside the west London RnB collective he also announced his appearance on two US superstars, Jackboy and Rotimis albums.

The Nigerian artist has over 2.4 million Instagram followers and 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners. His feature on Wstrn new track “Be my guest” is his first collaboration with UK artists and based on the result of the tune it will hopefully only be the beginning of Fireboys collaboration with UK stars.

“Be my guest” is available to listen to here:

Specialising in a Caribbean-inspired brand of R&B that is perfect for summer, WSTRN have a history of capturing the atmosphere of the warmer seasons through their sound. Their breakout hit ‘In2’ dominated British radio stations and clubs during the summer of 2015, whilst more recent hits such as ‘Medusa’ in 2019 and ‘Wag1’ in 2020 have continued this seasonal trend.

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As a track that is driven by afroswing rhythms mixed with soulful production, ‘Mama Stay’ is cut from the same cloth as their previous hits. Colourful guitar and saxophone samples are complemented by a vibrant and dynamic music video, in which dancers take centre stage to draw out the carnivalesque vibes of the track. As is typical of most WSTRN songs, Haile’s flawless vocals feature on the chorus whilst Louis Rei and Akelle’s charismatic verses blend elements of rap and melody.

However, this three-way combination has not always been a feature of WSTRN’s music. A large but unfortunate part of the trio’s journey was when they were reduced to only two members. From July 2017 to November 2019, Akelle served a prison sentence whilst Haile and Louis Rei continued to build the group’s profile and release music under the moniker of ‘WSTRN’. Speaking about this difficult two-year period himself in an interview with Capital XTRA, Akelle said, “They [Haile and Rei] stuck by me, they kept it going. Not a lot of people can say that, especially groups, but we’re not a manufactured group, we’re a family.”

Although all three artists have had various respective solo features in recent years, especially Haile who is frequently enlisted to sing hooks by other British artists, the chemistry between the collective is unparalleled. ‘Mama Stay’ offers a prime example of this; the trio’s delight at being back together again is tangibly evident throughout the playful accompanying visuals of the track.

Given that the release of ‘Mama Stay’ follows on from the group announcing that “WSTRN Season starts Thursday” on both Twitter and Instagram, it looks like the track will be part of a string of singles leading up to and through the summer period. In turn, the London-based trio are poised to provide the sound for, what will hopefully be, a festive summer free of COVID-induced social restrictions in 2021.

Check out the music video for ‘Mama Stay’ Below:

‘Wag1′ is the archetypal Summer tune. A catchy hook combined with a breezy beat and light verse creates a vibrant, easy, listening experience. The members of R & B collective WSTRN, compliment each other seamlessly. Lead vocalist, Haile, provides a melodic foil for the band’s emcees, Louis Rei and Akelle, to express themselves. Cashh, the featured artist, adds his characteristic Caribbean tone to augment the track’s sun-filled groove. The members of WSTRN could not contain their excitement at the release. Akelle labelled the track ‘the start of summer‘, and Haile simply captioned the release with ‘Vibesssss‘.

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Vibessss can’t done ! #WAG1 fi dem still ah load

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The single’s visuals accompanied the  release. Vibrant and cheerful, the clip matches the ‘Wag1’s’ party theme. It displays the artists at an outdoor function, relaxing with friends and fans alike. The colours, the cars and the dance moves create a clip worthy of any timeless summer banger.

Cashh’s inclusion caps a busy year for the artist. He returned to the UK in October 2019, having been deported to his native Jamaica in 2015 over an investigation of his immigration documents. He released the singles ‘Trouble‘ and ‘Trench Baby‘, alongside a Daily Duppy with GRM Daily, as he reestablished himself on the UK music scene. His feature in ‘Wag1‘ is a huge opportunity to remind fans of his presence and distinctive sound.

‘Wag1‘ is a tune to be enjoyed in the sun. WSTRN have previous experience in providing a summer sound-track. Their nostalgic 2015 hit, ‘In2‘, capitalised on a similar seasonal sound. It appears that the group, true to form, may have struck summer gold again. ‘Wag1‘ holds includes the breezy elements needed for a smash-hit, and is sure to accompany BBQ’s across the land.