With our latest Issue 126 out in the open we return to Cafe Koko in Camden on Thursday 30th November for a night of live music & DJs with great food and drinks on hand.
Secure your free tickets HERE via Dice or fast scroll down to sign-up for the guestlist now via the form at the bottom of this article.
Running monthly, the series has returned for 2023 with fresh energy at Cafe Koko. Bringing together industry favourites for an invite-only cultural celebration. Acts including Ashnikko, J HUS, Lady Leshurr, Tom Grennan, Masego, Jarreau Vandal, Knucks, Big Zuu, Sampah The Great, Poppy Ajudha, Greentea Peng, Jammer, Skepta, Frisco, Sneakbo, Sam Tompkins & many more have all previously graced the Clash Live stage.
So far this season we have hosted performances from AntsLive, Br3nya, BZ, Zakhar, Jaydonclover, Psi.ko, Tommy Saint, Berna, G!ft, Lost Girl, FelixThe1st, Kwaku Asante, Bawo, Mnelia, Amie Blu, Twyce, Zino Vinci, Sophie Faith, Songer, Rasharn Powell, Monroe X, Bel Cobain, Kieron Boothe, Jada, MustBeJohn, Kwoli Black, Mellissa, Kawali, B-ahwe and more.
This is generally speaking the last chance to catch some these acts this year in such an intimate environment. As always space is extremely limited, sign up for the free ticket lottery now via the form below for your chance to attend.
This month we will be joined by the inimitable AZ holding down the mic on hosting duties. Gathering together some of the brilliant minds from the Pay Your Shooter community for the dance.
Clash Live “Next Wave” returns on Thursday 30th November and we will be starring the following acts alphabetically listed alongside all of our favourite new music on-rotation.
CRISTALE
Hailed as one of the most anticipated risers in UK Rap, setting the pace with skippy flows and dynamic punch-lines. Brixton raised Cristale returns once again to illuminate her position as one of the country’s most exciting upcoming rap talents, with new single ‘Roadents’, out now via OVO Sound.
Delving into her already impressive discography, it’s clear that telling the oft-overlooked stories of her generation is an area which motivates Cristale to continue releasing and on ‘Roadents’ we find her on top form once again. Over an insidiously inviting guitar loop and familiar skittering drill hi-hats we find Cristale detailing a vivid tapestry of inner-city trauma in a way that seems both biographical and cinematic, making it fitting that the song featured in the final series of Top Boy in which Cristale also made her TV acting debut.
‘Roadents’ arrives quick on the heels of Cristale electrifiying listeners with her Daily Duppy freestyle on GRM Daily. In her performance, Cristale dazzled with her signature witty wordplay and intricate flows that make every moment engaging. Cristale first entered the public consciousness in 2022 when viral hit Bong Bing propelled her onto mobile devices across the globe. This was shortly followed by her debut EP What It’s Like To Be Young which further exemplifies her penchant for releasing biting records, encapsulating the energy of young, Black London.
Across the project, Cristale effortlessly shifts between moods; at one moment frustrated, in another ferocious and then hopeful for a better future, somehow keeping a sense of humour throughout. As Cristale continues to release a string of quality records, it is clear that she can take many forms, all authentically true to herself. ‘Roadents’ sees her solidifying her role as a true lyricist and voice within UK Rap.
PIPER-GRACE
Soulful riser Piper-Grace hails from a quiet town in South West England, Piper-Grace is part of a new wave of energy in UK R&B. A collection of deeply individual voices are making their mark, and Piper-Grace is set to be at the forefront.
‘Things Lovers Do’ was the perfect start, with her piquant delivery exuding style and grace. It blended personal observation with universal appeal. Touching on the classic while seeking out something more unique, a bold piece of modern soul music.
New single ‘Skin’ is infectious, with all of her vulnerabilities laid bare, exploring her desires and testing the limits of her self-control. Released on Rinse FM record label it’s an instant winner, the rhythmic soulful production compliments the vocals perfectly.
“I’m super excited to release ‘Skin.’ This song is another example of what I’m capable of as an upcoming artist. The song explores the intricacies of desire and self-control. I had so much fun making this song with Talay Riley and Joe Gosling; it was magic from the moment we had the session last year.”
PROPH
Proph, is the abbreviated version of the name given to him by his grandfather at birth. That name (Prophet) has defined his destiny ever since, and the 20 year old South Londoner is already on course to lead UK rap to the promised land and the firmament beyond. Teenage dreams of becoming an author, saw Proph’s early scribblings transform into lyrics and fully fledged songs; but they always retained a storytelling edge, and have now become a hallmark.
The discography has been steadily growing since his first release on DSPs, “Salvador”, which came in early 2020. Since then, Proph has remained consistent releasing a string of carefully curated singles and accompanying visuals, culminating in the release of his debut EP “L.I.T.”. In an era that is defined by flooding listeners with barely distinguishable noise, Proph’s music is a clear departure from this. The versatility extends far beyond the lyrical mastery and the vocal range, Proph is an entirely self taught/self produced artist. Proph produced every track on his debut EP “L.I.T,”, and will almost certainly be lending his talents to executive producing, once he reigns supreme as a solo artist himself.
This reign had already begun with bookings across the country at Wireless, Nass and Reading & Leeds festivals. International bookings were soon to follow, the Sziget Festival in Hungary have played host to Proph as well. Peers and contemporaries alike have been paying attention too, Proph supported J.I The Prince of N.Y on his UK tour, and opened up for Avelino’s headline show in May 2023. The co-signs don’t stop there, the likes of Wretch 32, Kenny Allstar, Stormzy, Ghetts and Popcaan have all given him their seal of approval. He also featured on the BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 cypher, which celebrated 50 years of Hip Hop. It’s clear that 2024 is really set to be a Jordan year for Proph. Take ‘In Da House’. On the surface, it’s an irresistible rap bouncer, laden with colour and verve – yet even here, Proph can’t disguise his truth, speaking straight from the heart. The video is packed with the type of energy that has already become his calling card – tune in now.
SLEW
Slew always knew he wanted to be in the booth. Growing up, his cousin would spit grime, and he’d watched awed, thriving in the immediacy of communication between a rapper and his audience.
‘No More (Family Shit)’ marked a coming of age moment. The sound of someone moving in their own lane, Shew embodies a unique style, shooting from the hip in the process. With Karma Kid on production, proving a concrete framework for Slew to bounce off. The verbal barrage is unrelenting, with the West London kid switching up flows in the process. Airing simultaneously on both Benji B and DJ Target’s shows, heavy hitters have all aligned behind Slew – there’s clearly something special going on.
Sought-after film maker Zack Arlo directs the gritty visuals, which take you on a wild ride into Slew’s uncompromising world. Tune in now.
VENT DETAILS:
The event is 18+, please bring ID.
CLASH Live “Next Wave” @ Cafe Koko
Thursday 30th November 2023
Ground Floor, 74 Crowndale Rd,
London NW1 1TP
Doors: 7.00pm – 12.00am
Confirmed RSVP is essential for entry & please arrive early to avoid a queue. Sign-up for the guest list now and look out for an email from us in the coming days for all guests we can accommodate this month…
