IFEA Music Night saw performances from the finest emerging talent from Urban Development and Bigga Fish's burgeoning rosters.
 
Rosie Wilson worked with a string section as she shared forthcoming attractions from her debut album. The violins and cellos continued to work their magic with the UD Vocal Collective. A rhythm section joined to support Natalie Maddix and Sherelle McKenzie as they delivered fresh new material. Special guest, Bashy joined to lead a soul-powered rendition of ‘Black Boys’.
 
Andreya Triana cast a spell on the audience that didn’t subside until the last note. MPHO entered the stage flanked by two musicians to embrace the evening’s international theme as they played an array of native instruments. Urban Development closed the first half with an uplifting performance from The Remix Choir, led by Daniel Thomas.
 
Host Fusion provided the background to Bigga Fish’s Routes To Roots project which took the UK’s finest emerging urban artists to share vibes with their counterparts in Mali, West Africa, the fruits of which were shared on stage. Bashy, Kele Le Roc, Akala and Lady Lykes swept the audience up with the haunting sounds of the kora, percussion and drums.
 
Routes To Roots rounded off a magical evening. In the heart of multi-cultural Newham, the message of unity championed by IFEA filled all with hope for the future.
 
Words: Alain Clapham and Ayo Bami