AMPLIFI Sept 2023

The Queen's Hall presents Season 3 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:

India Blue is a spell-binding songstress born in South East London, spending her present days in Glasgow's Southside. Inspired by urban rhythms and nature's stillness, India Blue delivers a soulful, rhythmic flow with a balanced yin-yang energy of calm and moody. Her imaginative lyricism takes you on an inspirational journey; through healing in darkness and lightness, honouring the power of creation.

Fiza: Hailing from North West London, Fiza is currently residing in Edinburgh where she is studying for her degree in English Literature. Having developed an infectious live show, her recognition blossomed from a Sofar Sounds session. FIZA recorded and released her debut single 'Pieces' last Summer and hopes to record her EP soon in order to share more of her music with others. Pieces was named track of the week at BBC Introducing Scotland and it also got attention from BBC Asian Network. She recently worked and performed with Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre Company where she played the leading role of Sasha/Sophia Jex Blake in 'Seven Against Edinburgh'. This was her debut in a professional theatre show; the show received a 5 star review and front cover mention in 'The Scotsman'.

Wenge.B: Introducing Wenge.B, a talented Zimbabwean/Scottish R&B/Soul singer based in the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Her captivating voice and soulful melodies have featured a spot on BBC Introducing Scotland's playlist with her latest single 'Midnight Rendezvous.' Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Jeremih, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill, Wenge.B's music transcends boundaries, encompassing a diverse range of genres. Through her unique blend of influences, she creates an enchanting musical experience that leaves listeners spellbound.

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 BBC Scotland, The Big Light, Mental Health Foundation, Fringe of Colour and more. She works in PR & Marketing with Scottish Women Inventing Music and Dardishi: a creative platform for Arab & North African women and gender monitories.

Supported by Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Winner of the Creative Edinburgh 'Inclusion' Award.