Where will Bemz be at Rise Up?
Saturday 4 May, Bemz headlines The Lemon Tree
Doors 7.30pm / Music from 8pm
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Closing out the Rise Up! festival in Aberdeen, we are thrilled to present the incredible talent of Bemz, the DJ Mag Breakthrough MC/Vocalist Best of British Award winner and BBC Introducing's inaugural 'Scottish Act of the Year.' From his humble beginnings in Nigeria to his journey through London and Scotland, Bemz has found his voice and created a unique sound that stands out for its raw, emotionally charged, and unrestrained honesty. With a SAY Award-nominated debut album, support from major radio stations, and a string of successful performances at festivals and sold-out shows, Bemz has had a momentous year. His latest EP, 'Nova's Dad,' offers moving meditations on family, home, and self-acceptance, while his high-energy single 'G.O.M' has received stellar support from BBC Radio 1, Radio 1 Xtra, and BBC 6 Music. Support comes from up and coming stars Rebecca Mani and FIZA. Get ready for an unforgettable performance as Bemz takes the stage to close out the Rise Up! festival in style.
BEMZ
Musician
Born in Nigeria, Bemz moved to south London with his parents and six siblings when he was just four. Ten years later, his father decided he should escape the chaos of London and move north to Scotland, where he lived with his aunt and uncle in Stranraer. It was here that Bemz found his voice. From freestyle rapping with his brother at the age of 15; to studying sound production in Ayrshire college; to eventually moving to Glasgow, where he made his SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award nominated 2020 debut album ‘Saint of Lost Causes’, Bemz’ lyrical journey is tangible proof that rap’s cultural reach stretches far beyond London and the English borders.
His music has received support from Clash Magazine, DMY, BBC Radio London, BBC 1Xtra (Pick of the Week and Track of the Week), and Kiss FM and has been championed by the likes of Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and Gemma Bradley, BBC 6 Music and DJ Target. Delivering a raw, emotionally charged view of life, but never falling into the clichéd trappings that often come with that territory, Bemz’ sound stands out for being strikingly honest and unrestrained.
Bemz has had a momentous 12 months making the Scottish Album of the Year Awards Shortlist and winning the Scottish Music Awards ‘ Sound of Scotland’ award. With a busy touring schedule he supported The Snuts on their UK tour, with further support slots for Example and Grandmaster Flash, made his TRNSMT festival debut, and in April played his biggest show to date - a sold out headline show at Glasgow’s SWG3 Warehouse.
He recently impressed international audiences with his showcase performance at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee with summer festival slots also including Kelburn Garden Party, Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick and Youth Beatz in Dumfries. And in August played his first sold out Edinburgh show at Sneaky Pete’s.
While also sharing his latest EP ‘Nova’s Dad’ his most revealing and assured release to date offering moving meditations on the importance of family, home, and self-acceptance with latest high energy single G.O.M (Gyallie On Me) out now and receiving stellar support from BBC Radio 1, Radio 1 Xtra and BBC 6 Music