With Songhoy Blues returning to The Great Escape again this year – they play Brighton’s Old Market on 20 May as part of the festival – we invited singer Aliou Toure to pick out some of the acts he’s keen to see while on the south coast.
Elf Kid – Golden Boy
“Hip Hop is massive in Mali so it’s great to make new discoveries like Lewisham’s Elf Kid and take them back to my friends in Bamako.”
Willie J Healey – Dude Like Him
“Our manager played us this guy whilst we were on tour this summer. Love those wonky guitars and his drawling vocals.”
Spring King – Rectifier
“Spring King released a few singles via our label home, Transgressive, so we’ve been aware of these guys for a while. We just the love the energy and joy they play with.”
Tuff Love – Duke
“Tuff Love are a two piece from Glasgow booked by our booking agents at ATC. They’ve put these guys forward for supports before, love the energy, we just haven’t been able to make it happen… yet!”
James Canty – Love
“Our sound guy, Leon, played us James Canty in the van a few months back. I love how many influences it blends. He’s a great folk singer who just goes crazy on his choruses.”
Fatoumata Diawara – Sowa
“We couldn’t write this list without mentioning our Malian sister Fatou. She’s a big inspiration to us and we’re honoured to have her joining us for the shows in Brighton and London in May.”
Dilly Dally – Desire
“So much noise! Love the guitars on this track. Sounds like Pixies but with more rage.”
Jalen N’Gonda – You Deserve What You Got
“We’re big fans of American soul. You wouldn’t know that this guy is actually based in Liverpool. Such a classic sound!”
Stormzy – Shut Up
“UK rap music is so strong at the moment and this guy just keeps getting better and better.”
Blick Bassy – One Love
“Also joining us on the bill on the Friday night. We can’t wait to share a stage with this guy!”
For more head to Greatescapefestival.com
