Ghetts Presents: an unforgettable evening of poetry and music

Watch inspiring stripped-back live performances from a quartet of visionary writers and musicians. Taking turns on the mic are Belinda Zhawi, DC3, Yomi Ṣode and Namesbliss in this live culmination of British rap icon Ghetts’ co-curation of 2024’s London Literature Festival. 00:00 Introduction by Ghetts 01:31 Introduction to Belinda Zhawi 02:26 Land Still Holds by Belinda Zhawi 07:36 Malaika by Belinda Zhawi 13:39 Introduction to DC3 14:00 Icon freestyle by DC3 19:06 Upstairs by DC3 21:35 Be yourself BY DC3 25:11 Introduction to Yomi Ṣode 25:55 Distant Daily Ijó by Yomi Ṣode 31:22 YNWA: A Karaoke Interlude by Yomi Ṣode 36:57 PC Joshua Savage pulls Leon Fontana over for a Routine Check (extract) by Yomi Ṣode 38:05 Introduction to Namesbliss 39:55 Reflections by Namesbliss 42:50 HB Freestyle by Namesbliss 46:11 Iniesta Flow by Namesbliss 48:42 I told him by Namesbliss First on stage, introduced by Ghetts himself, is Belinda Zhawi. A Zimbabwean literary and sound artist based in south-east London, Zhawi is the author of the pamphlet Small Inheritances, and experiments with sound/text performance as MA.MOYO. You may have previously seen Zhawi’s work in The White Review or via NTS, Boiler Room or BBC Radio. Second in the spotlight DC3, a 17-year-old rapper from Northampton with Zimbabwean roots. Through his music, DC3 shows that Christian rap can be impactful, encouraging people to hear the positive change in his lyrics and his life. Next up is the award-winning Nigerian-British writer Yomi Ṣode, who you may recognise from his previous appearances here at the Southbank Centre, including the presentation of a stage adaptation of his debut collection, the multi-award shortlisted Manorism. Beyond the page, and our own stage, Ṣode’s acclaimed one-man show COAT toured nationally to sold-out audiences. Last but not least, wrapping up this talented quartet is London rapper/MC Namesbliss with a stripped back set. Known for his lively anthems and mellow thought-provoking cuts, he is recognised as a pioneer in fusing the musical soundscape of neo grime and jazz rap, as epitomised by viral hit ‘Iniesta Flow’. These performances were recorded live in our Queen Elizabeth Hall in October 2024 as part of the opening weekend of our annual London Literature Festival. #SouthbankCentre #LondonLiteratureFestival #SpokenWord Subscribe for the latest videos: https://southbankc.re/youtube TikTok ➳   / southbank.centre   Instagram ➳   / southbankcentre   Facebook ➳   / southbankcentre   X ➳   / southbankcentre   #SouthbankCentre