MIF21: Homecoming Live at Manchester Central
Fergal Kinney
Grace Ladoja MBE set up Homecoming in 2017, with a vision of an independent, Black-owned digital platform and festival of culture, based in Lagos but with reach all over the world. The London-born music executive and manager to Skepta has spent the last four years making that vision a reality, spotlighting Africa’s creative movement on the continent and in diaspora. Homecoming Live at Manchester International Festival 2021 will be a culmination of the project’s achievements.
The expertly curated lineup showcases the most exciting music from Africa, the diaspora and beyond. Headlining is Afrorave star Rema. When in 2018 an 18-year-old schoolkid from Benin City posted an Instagram video of himself freestyling to a D’Prince track, he could hardly have expected that this would lead to a record deal with D’Prince himself, but within just a few months, it happened. By 2019, his ‘Iron Man’ had become an unexpected crossover hit, bouncing from number 1 in Nigeria to Barack Obama’s 2019 Summer Playlist.
Hotly-tipped UK Afrobeat artist Midas the Jagaban will also be performing on the night, likewise Manchester-based DJ–producer Anz comes particularly recommended – already a highly regarded voice and successful NTS resident for her particular fusion of bass, UK funky, breakbeats, ghetto tech and electro. Julie Adenuga – most recently seen as co-presenter on MTV’s ‘Catfish’ – will be hosting the proceedings.
The Manchester Central event – which will also be streamed for audiences at home – marks the beginning of a three-year collaboration between Homecoming and MIF. This will culminate in a full Homecoming takeover celebrating African creative culture at The Factory, MIF’s future year-round home. We can’t wait, but until then, our eyes are on 17th July and Homecoming Live.
You can stream the event via MIF LIVE – the Festival’s broadcast channel, accessible via the MIF website or via the ‘Book Now’ button below.
