AMPLIFI

The Queen's Hall presents Season 5 of our gig series showcasing the sounds of modern Scotland.

With artists hand-picked by guest curators Arusa Qureshi and Halina Rifai of We Are Here Scotland - staged in our intimate performance space - AMPLIFI presents an exciting opportunity to see new and rising artists in a setting designed to amplify their voices and put them centre stage.

Performers

Gaïa

Gaïa is a singer-songwriter from France who has quickly cemented herself in the Glasgow new-jazz scene, blending rnb and neo-soul. Having been deeply influenced by black music from an early age, her connection to her music is deeply explorative and emotive, connected to her identity and experiences; her music tells a deeply personal story, influenced by the people around her.

Liz Pretty Sweet

Liz Pretty Sweet is a talented emerging singer, songwriter, and producer based in Edinburgh, known for her enchanting blend of sweetness and depth. With three years of experience performing in a soul band, Liz has honed her craft while exploring a diverse array of music genres. She draws inspiration from her own emotions, the experiences of others, and the beauty of nature and the universe.

Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Liz Pretty Sweet often seeks to unify music and sound design in her work, creating immersive and captivating soundscapes. With her unique artistry and heartfelt approach, Liz Pretty Sweet is set to make her mark on the music scene.

Segun Aniyi

Segun Aniyi is a Scotland-based Afrobeat and R&B artist hailing from Lagos, Nigeria. A versatile musician and producer, Segun has captivated audiences with his genre-defying sound, seamlessly blending Afrobeat, R&B, pop, and dancehall into what he describes as "borderless" music. With notable releases such as 'Different', 'Love is Overrated', and 'Damaged', he has established himself as a dynamic force in the music scene. Regularly featured on BBC Introducing Scotland, Segun continues to gain recognition for his innovative artistry and compelling performances. As he gears up for 2025, fans can anticipate a wave of electrifying new music and unforgettable live shows, solidifying his place as a rising star on the global stage.

Curators:

Arusa Qureshi is an award-winning writer, editor and speaker with a passion for music, diversity and accessibility within arts and culture. Her book about women in UK hip hop, ‘Flip the Script’, is out now via 404 Ink. She has bylines in The Guardian, NME, Clash, Time Out, The Forty-Five and The Scotsman.

Halina Rifai is a podcast producer, music writer, PR & digital marketer. She founded music site Podcart in 2009 and went on to become a podcast producer, working with the likes of The Big Light, The Ferret, Mental Health Foundation, Fringe of Colour and many more. Podcasts she has worked on and continue to work on include Sheku Bayoh: The Inquiry and A Sonic Hug. Halina is Communications Manager for We Are Here Scotland – A space aimed at supporting and raising the voices of Black People and People of Colour creatives across Scotland.

Supported by Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Winner of the Creative Edinburgh 'Inclusion' Award.