BBC Music Introducing will host its first ever event in Northern Ireland as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival, which takes place from 12 October to 5 November. The Belfast event is part of a wider BBC Introducing Live programme scheduled in October for five cities, including London, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow.

On 13 October at the Limelight venue, four Northern Ireland musicians will perform as part of the programme, including hip hop artist Jordan Adetunji, singer-songwriter Lucy Gaffney, indie-pop artist Reevah and alternative hip hop artist Cbakl. 

‘There is immense synergy between the values that guide our festival and those of BBC Music Introducing, namely a commitment to supporting emerging, homegrown talent,’ said Richard Wakely, CEO and Artistic Director of Belfast International Arts Festival. ‘The line-up reflects the vibrancy and rich musical heritage of this place and it truly embodies Belfast’s recent designation as a UNESCO City of Music.’

BBC Music Introducing is an artist development programme for emerging and unsigned artists that provides musicians with performance opportunities as well as promotion across its radio stations and on television. Notable previous participants include Ed Sheeran, Florence + the Machine, Little Simz, Celeste, Sam Fender, Chvrches and Lewis Capaldi. 

Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Music Introducing, said: 

BBC Introducing are 100% committed to providing a nurturing environment where young artists and creatives can find their voices, learn from industry experts, and connect with peers who share their passion. This event is ongoing testament to the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and shape our culture.

The 61st edition of the Belfast International Arts Festival will present a programme of concerts, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature and film in venues across the city. For more information, see the programme below. 

For further details on the BBC Music Introducing event, visit https://shorturl.at/nFV48

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