Performers
PROFESSOR GREEN joins the Leicester Music Conference performance line-up. Professor Green (Stephen Manderson) is a British rapper, singer-songwriter, and television presenter born in 1983 in Hackney, London. Known for hits like "Read All About It" and "Jungle", he has released multiple top 10 UK albums and is a prominent mental health advocate. He will perform as part of the LMC programme, bringing one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in contemporary rap to the conference stage.
ZDOT - Producer and DJ Zdot will also perform, a West London artist whose productions span major UK releases, global collaborations and large-scale media soundtracks. West London based Producer / DJ 'ZDOT' is a name which has been ringing bells since 2010 when it comes to UK music production. Having amassed over 2 Billion streams across his productions and playing an integral part within the UK Music scene over the last 15 years, he's aligned with some of the biggest artists and produced many of their biggest records. Z has worked with Stormzy, Cardi B, Bugzy Malone, Charli XCX, Professor Green, Rita Ora, Ren, Natasha Bedingfield + many more. Z also composed the music for Playstation's #1 Hit VR game 'Blood & Truth' with an 80 piece orchestra. Zdot has had his music included in multiple FIFA games and Watch Dogs: Legion, and also composed the lead song from Guy Ritchie’s 'The Gentlemen' movie along with an array of syncs with global brands. When he's not in the studio he's performing lively DJ sets, Having already performed at a range of festivals including: Boomtown, Bestival, All Points East, Boardmasters & more
GEMMA FOX - Gemma Fox presents a curated showcase of performances, alongside taking to the stage herself. Gemma is a multi-award-winning recording artist, songwriter, DJ and broadcaster, and one of the original Queens of UK Bassline and Grime. A defining force in UK R&B and underground culture for over 20 years, her debut single Girlfriend’s Story broke the UK Top 40 and earned a MOBO nomination and an Urban Music Award win. As an independent artist, label owner and respected topline songwriter, Gemma has generated 10M+ streams and 128 chart entries, collaborating with world-class producers across Bassline, UK Garage, R&B, House, Pop and commercial dance. Alongside her creative work, she serves as A&R at Lion Bear Records, runs Fox Music Consultancy, and is a regular industry speaker - bridging legacy and future as an artist, mentor and creative leader.
QUEEN MILLZ is a UK artist redefining the sound of empowerment. Rising through the UK rap and drill scene, she’s evolved into a boundary-pushing voice in drum & bass and house, blending sharp lyricism with infectious energy. Her music celebrates strength, individuality, and freedom - a reflection of her journey from the streets to the stage. More than just an artist, Queen Millz is a movement: bold, fearless, and ever-evolving.
TONIA is a London-based singer and songwriter blending R&B roots with house and bassline influences. Also appearing in the Gemma Fox showcase, her work has received support from BBC Introducing, and she has previously featured on a bassline track that reached No.1 on BBC 1Xtra’s chart. Known for emotive vocals and dynamic live performances, Tonia has performed bassline music with a live orchestra as part of Bassline Symphony, and continues to build momentum as an independent artist through performances and collaborations across the UK.
FAHEEM - As part of the Gemma Fox showcase, Faheem brings a powerful live set to the stage. Singer Songwriter and multi-genre soulful powerhouse from the UK who's showing up and showing out, making sure everyone knows there's a returning contender in town. Currently making waves in the UK's underground dance music scene, Faheem is a promising and undoubted rising star - with a unique edge, vocal style, and ability to capture listeners from the first note.
JUDITH UDE is a professional singing harpist and musical artist based in the Midlands. She releases original compositions alongside performing for weddings and events. Judith is renowned for her evocative performances that deliver a unique blend of exquisite harp arrangements and soulful vocals. Her artistry not only enhances special occasions but also touches the hearts of her audience and her hope is that every performance is both memorable and meaningful.
Ro is a captivating live acoustic performer with a voice that transcends. A powerful songstress with lyrics that will scratch that part of your brain. Her latest single ‘winter song’ garnered the attention of BBC Radio 1 and was highly praised by host Jess Iszatt. Her original music has led to her winning titles such as, ‘Best Solo Artist’ at the Wigwam Awards 2026. Her music carries mature influences of Lizzy McAlpine and Gracie Abrams. Stripped back acoustic sets that truly charm the audience. A multi-instrumentalist and accomplished female producer. Her upcoming single, 'woollen jumper' is set to be one of her most triumphant pieces as of yet, building up excitement across socials. She has appeared as a featured artist for Gem 106, performing to audiences of over 15,000 people, and as a BBC Introducing artist, where she was invited to perform at De Montfort Hall. Ro was also named one of the Top 10 Artists for BBC Radio, alongside acts such as Mahalia and Easy Life.
Chantelle Marquez is a rising Leicester artist blending cinematic soul with raw storytelling. Emerging from a real-life journey through the care system, boxing gyms and life on the road, she is now one of BBC Introducing East Midlands’ most played artists. Her honest lyrics and striking visuals mark her as a bold new cultural voice.
TAYZO is an artist carving out his own lane where early-2000s R&B smoothness meets the dark, immersive energy of modern trap. Blending melodic vocals with hypnotic production, his sound feels both familiar and futuristic like the emotional honesty of classic R&B filtered through the cinematic, spacey world that artists like Travis Scott helped define.
MATT BURY is a genre-blending artist crafting infectious grooves and soulful melodies that bridge the gap between indie, R&B, and alternative pop. Inspired by the smooth guitar work of Tom Misch and the raw energy of Dominic Fike, his talent has already earned recognition, with his track Unknown Lover being featured as BBC Introducing’s Track of the Week, signaling his rise as an artist to watch.
Hailing from all over, THE OLD BOY plays an eclectic mix of soul, jazz, rare groove, funk, house, garage, hip hop; hitting that sweet spot between ol' skool, nu skool and soulful. Like granary bread with the seeds; wholesome...edgy on the outside, warm in the middle! THE OLD BOY has played most of Leicester's haunts over the past 3 decades; resident for The Original Four, backroom for Miss. Moneypenny's, Revolution Vodka Bar locally & nationally and after parties for touring acts passing through Birmingham's concert arenas circuit. Being an open-format DJ, THE OLD BOY still plays vinyl if that aesthetic lends itself well to the ambience. Proud to have worked with HQ Recording on an array of projects including the biggest open mic night in the East Midlands, providing the audible backdrop for the Create & Grow series and The Leicester Business Festival. And BrewBeat & the Leicester Music Conference for the past 3 years. Currently, presenting 'The Official SUNDAY BEST Breakfast Show' on Radio2Funky 95FM & DAB.
T O SOUL is an artist and producer who unapologetically bridges the raw intensity of UK grime with the smooth depth of traditional R&B, creating a sound that’s as captivating as it is commanding. With his fierce lyricism, T O Soul doesn’t shy away from the truth—his words are direct, bold, and unfiltered. His music grabs your attention and keeps it, effortlessly blending two powerful genres to craft a sound that’s as unique as his unapologetic approach to storytelling. Whether he’s spitting hard-hitting bars or delivering soulful melodies, T O Soul’s tracks demand to be heard.
Harri Georgio is tearing up the rulebook with his high-energy fusion of alternative rock, rap & punk. Backed by his live band, The Well-Behaved, together they've shared stages with the likes of The Hoosiers, Tom Meighan of Kasabian, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Dub Pistols, The Skints and The Skinner Brothers, lighting up festivals like Y Not and and headlining BrewBeat and Riverside Festival. With heavy support from BBC Introducing, Radio 1 and 6 Music, Harri & the band are here to shake up the scene-loud, unapologetic and unfiltered.
FLYNNY O'FLYNN Born & raised in the City of Leicester, MC, producer & sound engineer Flynny O’Flynn first entered the industry at the tender age of 15. Flynn crafted her unique sound by blending influences from grime & neo-soul to create a raw yet introspective hybrid of the two genres that feels quintessentially East Midlands. Notable releases include: “STUCK ON YUH”,“Conversations” & “Flip the Script” with Sane & Evo.
HUNID - Born in Germany and raised in Coventry, Hunnid is a rising UK artist whose music sits at the crossroads of drill, afroswing, and whatever sounds bounce with real feeling. While music wasn’t his first love, entertaining and influencing people always was. It quickly became his most powerful tool for self-expression. Drawing deep influence from the UK’s prime 2016–2019 music era, Hunnid doesn’t limit himself to just genres or artists. From musicians such as Dave and Stormzy to unforgettable interviews and overlooked moments, he pieces together inspiration from everything he absorbs. His songs tackle heartbreak, betrayal, dreams, and truths most people shy away from - all delivered with emotional weight, personality,an unmistakable flow and most important of all energy. What sets Hunnid apart is how naturally he brings his full self to the mic, choosing beats that reflect where he’s from, yet refusing to be boxed in by it. Having started writing at 12, the growth in his craft is already clear, with every release showing sharper delivery, deeper meaning, and more intention. Hunnid is building something that looks back at the joy and substance of the 2010–2020 era while moving the sound forward. He’s not just making music - he’s building influence.
JAKE THOMPSON is a Leicester-based musician raised on the early work of Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars. Jake draws on the storytelling sensibilities of early 2010s pop Singer-songwriters with a vocal delivery that can stop you in your tracks and pull you in. Jake has already received notable buzz from the likes of Spotify and BBC Introducing, the latter giving his debut single Track of the week. Now managed by HQ Familia, Jake continues to develop his sound with a growing team behind him and a clear creative vision, he is firmly focused on the next chapter of his career. Keep an eye on Jake Thompson, this is just the beginning.