London Paper 89

I'm missing quite a few columns from the summer and as it's taken me so long to upload these, it's a bit like whatever, but I'm gonna do what I want because I can. It's my blog afterall.

London Paper 89

ON THE SCENE
Chantelle Fiddy

Not a week goes by without me receiving a complaint from young Londoners that there’s not enough nightlife action for them. Even with the aid of fake id, it’s not necessarily a viable option with tight-knit security across the capital. But with a shortfall of under 18s night, it’s only when the likes of Bigga Fish, a not-for-profit youth organisation dedicated to educating 13-21 year olds through music, secure a venue that teens can expect a look-in.

Since starting up nearly a decade ago, Bigga Fish have been pivotal in helping break acts like Wiley, Ms Dynamite in Dizzee Rascal to a younger audience. Also keen to engage the next generation of promoters, they provide workshops on event management, flyer design, stage design and much more.

This Saturday, Bigga Fish are looking to recapture carnival spirit as they take over the Astoria, off Tottenham Court Road. But this is an event with a difference on two levels. Firstly, anyone over the age of 14 (accompanied by an adult) can go (yes, that includes you granddad). Secondly, this event is more like a concert or mini-festival, running from 6 – 10pm celebrating what’s good in London. The highlight of the showcase promises to be Routes to Roots. An international collaboration with artists Bashy, Akala, Lady Lykez and Kele Le Roc teaming up with African acts and a band of traditional Mali musicians.

“Bigga Fish is about creativity, learning and being enterprising,” said company director, Nii. “This event really symbolises the biggest line-up of the summer through to very unique performances like Routes to Roots, which has three MOBO award winners performing alongside some of the best African musicians. Our goal is to create events that inspire, leave people with a positive message and wanting more.”

With Wanluv from Ghana flying in for the event, expect plenty of surprises. Hosted by Twin B (1Xtra) and Fusion, Tinchy Stryder, Nu Brand Flexx, Chipmunk, Donae’o and The Bigga Bloco Drumline (a 20 piece Brazilian drum outfit with grime) will also appear on the night. Finalists from the legendary Rinse FM MC open mic will battle it out on stage too. Tickets are only a fiver so it’s a perfectly good warm-up if you’re looking to head out after.

With the teens (hopefully) on their way home, get more post-carnival action at SE1 Club with La Bomba’s summer party which has moved from Ministry of Sound. On until 6am, tickets are £15 on the door, with Reggaeton in one room courtesy of a squad of Latin DJs including Loco who mixes, scratches and cuts up dancehall with hip hop. The Salsa next door will be for those really able to bump and grind. Some things in life really are intended for adults after all.