AFFIEJAM

West Midlands
 

AFFIEJAM is a multi-disciplinary artist from Birmingham, known as a songwriter, musician, illustrator and DJ. In 2024, after breaking her hand, she self-produced her debut mixtape 'MAKES + BREAKS' with an accompanying mixed-media zine. Now, AFFIEJAM will create a self produced EP called 'WORKSHOPPING LIFE', where one track is released as a single first. Accompanying visuals in the form of an interactive digital (and limited print) zine, listening party and a concept music video. The title reflects how "we cannot do life alone."
 

Pronouns: she/her

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AIIME C

Wales
 

AIIME C is a vocalist and MC inspired by pop, liquid drum & bass, and garage. Her NextGen Fund project, 'Up in the Air', is an EP inspired by the Air element in astrology. It will blend genres like pop, drum and bass, and hip-hop, featuring meaningful lyrics and soft, airy vocals. The album art will have colourful pastel clouds, reflecting the EP’s dreamy and ethereal vibe.
 

Pronouns: she/her

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Afrobaby

Yorkshire and the Humber
 

Afrobaby is a British/Nigerian artist from Bradford, blending electronic, indie, R&B, and Liquid Drum and Bass. Her debut EP 'SAFE SPACE' explores mental health and self-discovery. With continuing support from BBC Introducing, she performed at the Bradford City of Culture 2025 launch, showcasing her empowering, genre-defying sound.
 

Pronouns: she/her

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Airz

South East
 

'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society.
 

Pronouns: he/him

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Akam

North West
 

Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. 
 

Pronouns: he/him

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Alice-Lily

East of England
 

Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down."
 

Pronouns: she/her
 

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Alika

South East
 

Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles.
 

Pronouns: she/her

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Amadeus TMM

West Midlands
 

Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself.
 

Pronouns: he/him

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Anthony Layde

Northern Ireland
 

Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology.

Pronouns: he/him

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BEASTIE

Greater London
 

BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist.

Pronouns: he/him

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Dahlia Rae

West Midlands
 

Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey.

Pronouns: she/her

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Elijah Ayité

Scotland
 

Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face).
 

Pronouns: he/him
 

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Eva Kiss

Yorkshire and the Humber
 

Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered.
 

Pronouns: she/her

 
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Haaji Ka Halva

North East
 

Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material.
 

Pronouns: she/her

 
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