MIF23: Desi Factory at Factory International

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Desi Factory

Aviva Studios, Manchester
15 July 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Desi Factory - Sam Malik by Zak Knight.
Book now

Marking the closing weekend of Manchester International Festival 2023, Manchester’s own Sam Malik curates a night of British South Asian talent at Factory International.

Headlining is singer and producer Zack Knight. Born in Grimsby, to a Punjabi Mother and Afro-Asian Father, Knight entwines his heritage and upbringing in his R&B-infused sound. He’s written songs for the likes of Tinie Tempah, opened shows for Taio Cruz and Jessie J, and is a star in his own right, selling out a UK headline tour and writing and producing the huge international hit ‘Bom Diggy Diggy’, which has clocked close to a billion views on YouTube so far.

Appearing just before Zack Knight will be singer-songwriter Ezu, whose songs chain English and Punjabi lyrics in a seamless flow. We’re also looking forward to catching BBC Asian Network’s legendary DJ Bobby Friction, who is a documenter and historian of Asian music culture, and a specialist in desi beats. Finally, an emerging singer who’s recently signed a publishing deal with Sony, Bambi Bains is a trailblazer in the UK’s Desi R&B and Bhangra scene, and is well worth heading down early for.

Bringing all of this together is Sam Malik, a pioneer of the city’s creative scene determined to shine a light on next gen talent, as well as the best of British South Asian music. A member of the Factory Sounds 2022 cohort – MIF’s artist development programme for Manchester’s music visionaries – Sam is making waves across the city with his new artist management company, SM Music, with which he’s determined to help support the creative future of standout British South Asian artists.

What's on at Aviva Studios

Where to go near MIF23: Desi Factory at Factory International

Castlefield
Event venue
Old Granada Studios

Manchester’s old Granada Studios is an iconic piece of the city’s history and home to Sidney Bernstein’s television empire.

Manchester Opera House by Phil Tragen
City Centre
Theatre
Manchester Opera House

A commercial touring theatre, the Manchester Opera House is reopening in August 2021, all set to host the city’s finest mainstream theatrical productions, music gigs, opera and ballet.

City Centre
Music venue
Low Four Studio

Old Granada Studios has announced Low Four: a new studio and music project that will stream and archive live music performance as part of a new generation of music TV programming. The inclusion of a viewing balcony also means that these recordings, along with special events and concerts, will be made open to a few […]

Manchester
Restaurant
20 Stories

High-end restaurant and cocktail bar, with stunning views of the Manchester skyline.

Manchester
Gallery
Smolensky Gallery

This appointment-only gallery is a hidden gem in Manchester. Art lovers and collectors can browse many high quality pieces.

Manchester
Hotel
Moxy Manchester City

Moxy Manchester City is a stylish 146-bedroom hotel in Spinningfields, with an attractive living room lobby and modern, well-stocked bar.

What's on: Music

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.