BBZ and Balamii have joined forces to bring you one the most exciting line-ups we’ve seen in a hot minute. The two movements came together with the feeling that there needed to be a far more visible push back against the misogyny that femme-identifying people face in and out of London’s club culture. This space will allow us to free up ourselves and enjoy good vibes and to host an evening curated by and for some of the finest selectors, producers, artists and broadcasters London has to offer. Taking place all night on 7 July, it’s a night not to be slept on. “We aim to not only present a line-up that speaks for itself but create a space that upholds both Balamii and BBZ core principles: to support local artists and enrich our beloved South London communities.”
BBZ famous club nights which are best self-described as “a monthly tun up for the fam, exploring the works of queer/non-binary womxn of colour” have us all letting go of our weaves and hitching up a leg. BBZ is a group of womxn who have been fed up with the lack of representation and respect for womxn on the dance floor, and in response, we are bringing people of colour to the forefront. For a night of soulful sounds and two finger skanking, BBZ x Balamii have selected ten womxn at the forefront of DIY music culture to perform.
In no particular order; first on the list is Aisha Zoe who hosts her own Full English Breakfast show on Balamii – the boss station itself. One can expect soulful vibes to really put you in the groove.
Next, BORN N BREAD is a collective of five south London girls exploring food, fandom, and black British identity in their homemade zines. They’re set to bring you those old-school singalong tunes to put the bop back in your step.
Chloë Dees, self-proclaimed cinnamon queen and bad gyal selector brings her transatlantic vibes, having been a DC resident for a number of years, she always brings something quite special to every line-up. Check out her monthly radio show on Balamii, spotlighting fellow artists and tearing through sounds you wish were in your library.
Manara is our Indian goddess, DJ and producer in the mix and part of BBC AZN Network (stands for BB Cream And Zoots Now). Expect Bollywood soundtracks and dub sounds that’ll keep your head nodding.
A.G. the DJ and grime are two items rarely heard without the other if you’re trying to come correct. She has that 160bpm on lock with her fortnightly M’n’M show on NTS – we expect nothing less from her on the night.
Alex Rita, our dance sister and a member of beloved Touching Bass, also has her own show on Balamii: Ritas Rhythmic Melodies, where you can lose yourself in peaceful sounds from all over the world. A sensuous mix of West African rhythms and soulful sounds will keep you vibing.
Nabihah Iqbal aka Throwing Shade aka the ever knowledgeable NTS radio show host and producer will be touching down on the night providing “cosmic melodies with sensory qualities”.
Next, Ikonika – Queen of Kaka – is often associated with dubstep being brought back to life. She’ll be ready to infuse the night with her electronic hypnosis.
Last, but by no means least, Shy One. A small one making big movements in the music world from a young age you can catch Shy on NTS, Radar and of course Balamii. As part of Touching Bass and of course BBZ, Shy will naturally be dishing out the straight tunes along the soul, RnB, and grime waves. Here’s a little teaser mix for you lot to get into.
https://soundcloud.com/bbzlondon/shy-one-for-bbz-x-balamii
Grab your tickets for BBZ x Balamii on 7 July at Corsica Studios here
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