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Musical Evolution: Blanco’s Journey through Grief, Prison, and Angolan Roots in London Drill”
Sep 01, 2023
Born in London in 1999 to Angolan refugees who fled civil war, Joshua, known as Blanco, has metamorphosed from a prominent subcultural figure into a transformative musical artist. His journey, marked by resilience and introspection, reflects the evolution of UK drill music and the challenges it faces.
Blanco’s roots trace back to South London, settling in Kennington after moving around. Schooled near the Oval cricket ground, his life took an unexpected turn with imprisonment. Behind bars, the loss of loved ones, including his father, ignited profound self-discovery. The funeral of his father, where he was cuffed to a prison officer, underscored the significance of family and heritage, revealing the stark contrast between his life and his parents’ refugee struggles. Blanco says, “I didn’t know my parents were refugees until I was grown, One day my dad just started telling us stories about his life. I was in shock, because his life was so different to mine. It was so much harder. Prison was a mistake. I didn’t want to go back.”.
Inspired by these revelations, Blanco distanced himself from the gritty UK drill scene, which had defined his artistry. The murder of a fellow Harlem Spartans member deepened his introspection. The group, marked by youthful energy, incorporated homegrown beats fusing sub-bass from garage and grime’s patois-laden language. This departure from US drill’s aggression resonated widely.
Yet, as drill gained notoriety, it attracted media scrutiny and police intervention. The Met’s requests led to the removal of videos deemed provocative. In 2020 alone, YouTube, complying with the London Metropolitan Police’s appeals, removed 319 drill music videos. This, coupled with drill’s global growth, set the stage for change.
Blanco’s narrative is a microcosm of drill’s evolution, navigating societal challenges while reshaping its identity. As UK drill continues its transformation, artists like Blanco drive a nuanced exploration of the crossroads between culture, art, and adversity.
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ITV’s new drama Three Little Birds is set to broadcast soon on the channel and it is written by comedian Lenny Henry. ITV’s highly anticipated new drama, “Three Little Birds,” is gearing up for its premiere, and it’s not just another show, it’s a captivating tale written by the comedic genius Lenny Henry himself. Featuring a stellar cast including Rochelle Neil, Saffron Coomber, and Yazmin Belo, the series draws inspiration from the vivid narratives of Henry’s mother and aunt, recounting their journey to Britain in the 1950s. The storyline unfolds The storyline unfolds with Leah (Neil) and her sister Chantrelle (Coomber) embarking on a compelling mission—to accompany their friend Hosanna (Belo) from Jamaica to Britain. The ultimate goal? To potentially unite her with their brother Aston in holy matrimony. Lenny Henry the British actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, producer and writer sheds light on the essence of the show, stating, “It’s about overcoming, it’s about women and feminism. They literally came to this country, worked tirelessly, brought their families over, and the show encapsulates that. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—joyful, poignant, and visually stunning.” The series, produced by the dynamic duo of Henry and Russell T Davies, promises six episodes packed with drama, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. Brace yourselves for the riveting tales of “Three Little Birds” as they unfold on ITV1
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary journey. Grab your tickets now and immerse yourself in to “Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey” at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on October 14th.
UK UNSIGNED celebrates 25 years by giving away £2500 at its launch. Get ready for the party of the year as UK UNSIGNED , powered by the dynamic force of SABA, a UK registered performing arts charity, gears up for a sensational 25th-anniversary celebration that promises to be the event of the year! Over the past two decades, UK UNSIGNED has soared to become the unrivalled champion of showcasing and nurturing talent in the UK. Our mission? To catapult unsigned, homegrown talents into the spotlight, providing them with a dazzling stage to dazzle the industry. From humble beginnings, UK UNSIGNED has evolved, delivering over 100 electrifying shows annually, transcending venues ranging from quaint pubs and local theatres to colossal concert arenas. Our talent competition segment has ascended to become the UK’s premier talent quest, nurturing a legacy of stars. UK UNSIGNED has left its mark at iconic venues including the London Astoria, Hackney Empire, and Shepherds Bush Empire. We’ve also been part of major events like the London Mayor’s Respect Festival, Luton Carnival, and the Bloodstock Metal Festival. Our support has extended to arenas like the Millennium Dome, Earls Court, and Alexander Palace. Through UKUNSIGNED, we’ve seen incredible talents soar to stardom, like Leona Lewis , known for global music success and mesmerizing performances like the Beijing Olympics. The Flawless Dancers, who conquered national dance tours and starred in “Street Dance – The Movie, ” and Katie Melua , a multi-platinum-selling sensation with successful worldwide tours. This is just a glimpse of the multitude of artists who’ve graced the UK UNSIGNED stages across the nation over the years. Now, as UK UNSIGNED marks its silver jubilee, we’re cranking up the excitement! Join us on Saturday, September 9th, at the magnificent Troubadour Theatre in Wembley Park, HA9 0SP , as we launch our 25th-anniversary celebrations in grand style. Special guest Big Zeeks will be there to elevate the energy! But that’s not all! In the spirit of celebration, UK UNSIGNED is giving away a staggering £2500 in cash prizes. That’s £100 for each of our glorious years. Get ready for an epic night of competition, as we award £500 Battle Prizes in multiple categories, including Dance Group Seniors (16 plus), Dance Group Juniors (15 & Under), MCs (Male), MCs (Female), and Singers Battle (Covers & Singer Songwriters). And if you remember ‘King of The Track’ Dennis Alcapone from 1974, Singer-Songwriter Paul Dawkins, International Soul Singer-Songwriter Zalon (the main vocalist for the late Amy Winehouse), THE FRESH PRINCE OF HARLESDEN Big Zeeks, UK Female Rapper Sim Simma, the UK’s first female reggae band – Akabu, Reggae Star Factor winner L.A. Gray, Mr. Churps, Tinez aka Marley, and Gospel singer Teejah, then you’re in for a treat! They will all be gracing our stage for a night of unforgettable live music. If you know about any of these artists and you fancy an evening of being entertained with live music from all of the above alongside a LIVE competition of MCs, Dancers, Singers, and much more, then don’t miss out! Book your ticket NOW at https://ticketing.kxtickets.com/…/uk-unsigned-745497 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event. Register for FREE now at www.ukunsigned.co.uk. Remember, registration fees will apply after September 9th. Join UKUNSIGNED as we embark on this electrifying journey into our 25th year, celebrating the UK’s most exceptional talents and setting the stage for the next generation of stars. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Young DJ Hypester’s Dream Come True: From Sign Holder to Festival Headliner. A 12-year-old boy, Harry Frost, hailing from Woolton Hill, recently lived out a remarkable dream when he transformed from a sign holder into a festival headliner. Harry, who has been passionately DJing for five years under the moniker DJ Hypester, graced the stage with his drum and bass set at CarFest, in Overton, Hampshire, on a memorable Sunday night. Accompanied by his supportive parents, Harry’s family brought along a USB stick containing some of his music, just in case the opportunity to perform presented itself. This golden chance materialized when festival organizers noticed the placard Harry held aloft, bearing the simple but heartfelt message, “Let me DJ.” Even prominent figures in the UK’s drum and bass scene, Chase and Status, took notice of Harry’s talent. They hailed him as a “legend in the making” after catching glimpses of his performance on social media. The duo went further, extending their well wishes for a promising DJ career ahead. Speaking to the BBC, Harry revealed, “I was pretty nervous, but I was saying to myself ‘nerves are good,’ because that’s what gives me the adrenaline rush, and I like the adrenaline on stage.” It’s clear that Harry thrives in the spotlight. Remarkably, Harry faces unique challenges as he lives with autism and ADHD. His mother, Barbra, views these conditions as assets rather than hindrances to his musical prowess, noting that they contribute to his “fantastic memory.” Notably, Harry’s connection to CarFest runs deep, having attended the festival since he was a mere two years old. His experience came full circle when he had the opportunity to meet CarFest founder and former Radio 1 DJ, Chris Evans. Looking ahead, Harry aspires to return to the festival next year and showcase his talents with an even more extended set. The young DJ’s journey from holding a sign to headlining a festival stage is not only an inspiring testament to his dedication but also a heartwarming example of the power of dreams coming true. Harry Frost, DJ Hypester, is undoubtedly a name to watch as he continues his meteoric rise in the music world.
Born in London in 1999 to Angolan refugees who fled civil war, Joshua, known as Blanco, has metamorphosed from a prominent subcultural figure into a transformative musical artist. His journey, marked by resilience and introspection, reflects the evolution of UK drill music and the challenges it faces. Blanco’s roots trace back to South London, settling in Kennington after moving around. Schooled near the Oval cricket ground, his life took an unexpected turn with imprisonment. Behind bars, the loss of loved ones, including his father, ignited profound self-discovery. The funeral of his father, where he was cuffed to a prison officer, underscored the significance of family and heritage, revealing the stark contrast between his life and his parents’ refugee struggles. Blanco says, “I didn’t know my parents were refugees until I was grown, One day my dad just started telling us stories about his life. I was in shock, because his life was so different to mine. It was so much harder. Prison was a mistake. I didn’t want to go back.”. Inspired by these revelations, Blanco distanced himself from the gritty UK drill scene, which had defined his artistry. The murder of a fellow Harlem Spartans member deepened his introspection. The group, marked by youthful energy, incorporated homegrown beats fusing sub-bass from garage and grime’s patois-laden language. This departure from US drill’s aggression resonated widely. Yet, as drill gained notoriety, it attracted media scrutiny and police intervention. The Met’s requests led to the removal of videos deemed provocative. In 2020 alone, YouTube, complying with the London Metropolitan Police’s appeals, removed 319 drill music videos. This, coupled with drill’s global growth, set the stage for change. Blanco’s narrative is a microcosm of drill’s evolution, navigating societal challenges while reshaping its identity. As UK drill continues its transformation, artists like Blanco drive a nuanced exploration of the crossroads between culture, art, and adversity.
