BIMM students and alumni celebrate Black History Month
It’s Black History Month for the duration of October, and it’s a great time to celebrate Black British culture and what it means to be Black and British. We’ve enlisted the help of some of our BIMM Institute students and alumni to shine a light on their thoughts and experiences; created profiles on some of Black history’s most important figures, as well as some unsung heroes; and we even have a playlist from the very talented OURAA.
Our contributors include:
Emanuel J Burton
Emanuel is a BIMM Manchester drums alumni. He has had an amazing few years touring with Children of Zeus, playing an abundance of festivals and even headlining his own solo show. We know Emanuel’s success is going to continue this year, pandemic or not.
OURAA
OURAA is a vocal graduate from BIMM Institute London. She takes influences from all over the place to create a Gospel-meets-Afro beats-meets-Jazz-meets-Pop sound that’s irreplicable. OURAA’s colourful, unique personality and sound has managed to get her included in Jamz Supernova’s BBC Radio 1Xtra’s show to a UK-wide audience.
Gaetan Judd
Gaetan is a BIMM London alumni. As a guitarist, songwriter and producer, Gaetan found his vocation when playing in church, and is inspired by R&B, Gospel and African influences. He’s worked with Samm Henshaw, RAY BLK, Burna Boy and has even performed on Later… With Jools Holland – one of his aims when he started performing.
Mercy Sortie
Mercy is a BIMM Bristol alumni, who is known locally as a hugely charismatic live performer. Her band Mercy’s Cartel have performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Kendal Calling, We Out Here and the main stage at The Downs. Mercy has developed a strong network. She has also been recognised by funding bodies such as PRS, Help Musicians and MOBO.
Stay up to date with our Black History Month series by clicking here.