The Riwaq - Week Two Programme

Wed 11, 18 & 25 May,  Thu 19 & 26 May, 11am–11.30am | Free

Come and join the fun at our Storytime for Preschoolers at The Riwaq! Listen to tales from around the world as you feed their imagination. Our specially chosen books will be read and brought to life by performers taking part across Brighton Festival. Let the magical world of books bring joy to you and your little ones.

Wed 11 May, 12pm–4pm | Drop-in | Free

Come and be a part of creating a colourful block printed banner based on the theme of hopes and dreams at this free drop-in workshop facilitated by East Side Print. Using vibrant colours, choose from our collection of hand made blocks, to ink up and print. Suitable for all ages and abilities, have a go as you are walking by, stay for 5 minutes or as long as you like. The finished banners will hang on the Riwaq site during the festival as a creative celebration of being together.

Wed 11 May, 6pm–7pm | Free

Son Guarachando are one of the top exponents of Latin Music working in the UK today. They are fronted by vocalist Adriana Lord, who has been active on the Havana scene for well over a decade having performed and featured on records with the likes of Danny Rivera, William Vivanco, producer Robert Aaron (Wyclef Jean, David Bowie) Vocal Catarsis and others.

Individually the members of the band have been at the apex of the music scenes of Colombia, Spain, Cuba and the U.K. Son Guarachando's wealth of experience, charismatic stage performance and exciting repertoire of Afro Cuban and Latin music never fails to get enthralled audiences onto the dance floor. 

This lone wolf, dark horse guitar virtuoso who writes and performs his own music, was made great in Britain after being designed by a committee god and put together by Zeus himself. Brace yourself, for some deep painstaking truths that come straight from the heart. Come check out Leonside’s elegant guitar riffs that chime in with his deep and bellowing voice.

A London born artist, who explores various genres of music. Using the realist expression he displays his emotions through music adding a twist of his cultural roots. C.Roots is forever pushing himself creatively with each new track he drops. He believes we should all live and breathe outside the box. 

NubianZee’s music is explosive, diverse and a true reflection of his musical journey. His fusion of Cultures will keep you on your toes and will leave you asking for more. With a Mix of AfroFusion, Dancehall and AMAPiano (to name a few) , you are guaranteed to always catch a POSITIVE VIBE fuelled by Love! 

Peckham’s very own Pretty Boy brings a blend of music that’s heartfelt through vivid descriptive word play and metaphors, clever punchlines, and soulful melodies. Born in Sierra Leone raised in Peckham Pretty Boy is definitely a name to look out for in the near future.

With his debut gig as a artist, self taught singer songwriter Joe is excited to share his music with an audience not just consisting of his next door neighbour. With his unique singing style that he describes more as a conversation than a performance, you’ll feel at ease under his blanket of chord progressions and catchy melodies. 

Fri 13 May, 11am–5pm | Free

The Ukrainian community in Brighton and Hove and neighbouring cities will engage with Brighton Festival visitors in creative activities about Ukraine and Ukrainians in all their courage, diversity, and beauty. It is a welcoming, artistic and relaxed space to spend time with Ukrainians and those interested in Ukraine.

Fri 13 May, 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm | Free

Run by Irma Latsanych (Irma’s craft studio), Worthing-based Ukrainian artist, these workshops include an informal conversation about the meanings of different flowers and the flower crown (known as a ‘vinok’) in Ukrainian culture.  The sunflowers created during the workshop will complete the creation of the Ukrainian Riwaq artwork ‘Remembering the past – walking towards the future’. 

Fri 13 May, 1pm & 5pm | Free

Under the blue dome of the sky, one day stories were created. Stories that have moved from heart to heart, poet to poet, painter to painter, people to people, land to land, language to language, voice to voice and soul to soul’. Join storyteller Zahra Afsah for an afternoon of storytelling performance. Zahra will take you on a narrative journey to the wise and wistful stories of Persia.

Fri 13 May, 2pm–5pm | Free |  Suitable for Adults

Living Library is like an ordinary library except books are people. Come to meet Ukraine-themed Living Books and be brave to talk about: history, culture and language in Ukraine; on-going war; hosting Ukrainian refugees; journeys of the refugees and how they are settling in and other themes. 

Disclaimer: Ukrainian Living Library builds on the tools developed by Alliance for Public Health in Ukraine, a partner of Frontline AIDS based in Brighton.

Fri 13 May | 6pm | FREE

Kourosh is a Kurdish musician from Iran, he plays Tar (A Persian stringed instrument, ‘Tar’ means ‘String’ in Persian). Here he plays a compilation of Kurdish and Iranian folk songs as well as a piece from the Lorestan region of Iran. Many of the songs have not been written down, but are passed through generations by memory. They are well known to people from the region and the diaspora. The music is performed in different keys, depending on the mood and subject matter of the songs.

Sat 14 May, 11am-6pm, FREE

Come along, discover your new favourite artist and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to headline festival stages of the future!

Andrew Nurse the poet. His words and lyrics are so personal and true to his life journey they hit you straight and direct. Andrew's positive, creative energy compels you to take him in and absorb his content. Not to be missed.

Poet, Performer, Award Winning Broadcaster, Mentor, Artist Manager, TedXLondon Speaker, Presenter for National Prison Radio, Facilitator, Curator, Chair for the NCJAA Anne Peaker Lecture 2020 and Advocate for Life After prison. 'My life ended and began with a prison sentence, those metal doors awoke the faith in me' – Lady Unchained

Alexander Kyd is a composer and guitarist whose style is an exciting fusion of classical guitar and modern technology. He combines nylon strings with digital gadgets like loopers and reverb pedals to create a mysterious soundscape evocative of fantasy worlds and dreams.

Cherralyn has been singing since the young age of 13 and is self-taught. Her influences are the likes of En Vogue, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera, whilst also taking inspiration from her own and others life experiences. Cherralyn is a singer/songwriter that is passionate about her music, she is about to take you on a journey of soulful bliss. She released her first RnB single in February 2022 titled How Dare You. 

This London born musician delivers a powerful mix of R&B and Rap, showcasing an amazing range of vocal and lyrical abilities. BabyJai's authenticity and magic shines through with soul and uplifting energy. Rapidly climbing the ladder BabyJai is a positive force to be reckoned with. Do not miss her. 

KaylaSings, bringing to you that RnB vibe. KaylaSings has a passion for all genres of music but RnB really stirs her soul - delivering her feelings through sweet sweet melodies. Come and have a listen, feel the vibe. Check out Kayla’s latest track Sweetboy on all platforms!

A young and talented woman who loves everything about music. With amazing vocals, Bambii displays her passion through RnB.  Bambii is a hardworking and determined singer destine to achieve her future goals as a musican.
'I want to make everyone's ears love my music the way I do'.

A London based musician. Bringing you greetings, knowledge and love through music and his unique storytelling ability. Singing and performing since childhood, constantly developing his craft as an artist Fidel I Man touches the minds of those his words reach.

An up and coming artist with music in her veins exploring different genres of music. Always singing and dancing around the house as a child Ms Rayne was positively inspired by global artists such as Lauren Hill, Mary J Blige and Monica. 'When I write  music I go with my mood on the day.  Music is my remedy, I put all my pain into my music so many can relate'. Check out Ms Rayne's latest tracks Buss It Open, More Of You and Do Me - out now on all streaming platforms.

East London Artist Big Moviee is no stranger to music and it’s way of life. Growing up around many of today’s household names MC’ing on east London’s pirate radio circuit from the age of 8 has seen him nurture his craft to the highest degree. Using everyday experiences and the moods that evidently come along with them, Big Moviee clearly shows his pen game is one to take note of. Check out BigMoviee’s latest single Opportunities - out now on all platforms.

If you’re looking for big anthems, positive vibes and a heavy rock / pop sound then Macca is definitely not one to miss! Chiming in from Liverpool, Macca takes influence from the music surrounding him and fuses this with solid sounding indie rock guitar riffs. If you’re looking for songs that will get stuck in your head for weeks on end then make sure you check him out! 

Quick, hard-hitting bars on a dirty beat? If that’s what you’re looking for then make sure to check out Kachy. Focusing on lyrical wordplay and an outstanding flow - Kachy brings a new level to his performances ensuring he hits every beat with a new style. Check out Kachy’s latest release Overstand - out now on all streaming platforms!

Josh’s music has no set genre. As a writer, used to writing for different types of artists, Josh makes whatever he feels is right for the instrumental. From Hip-Hop, Pop, Reggae and RnB. His content is dependent on the current lifestyle and experiences he goes through. His diverse style and soulful vocals, mixed with his hard-hitting rap is definitely not to be missed.

Pure energy is the best way to describe Millz. If you’re looking for fast tempo, gritty beats and a chance to get moving - you’re gonna want to catch him on stage with InHouse Records. Pure fire, pure vibes, pure energy! 

Free Flipz, from London covers many cultures with his music. From rap, bashment and reggae - Free Flipz aims to show you his word play and freestyling skillsets through every bar. Free Flipz aims to touch the hearts and minds of every listener - aiming to take you on the journey of your life. into my music it will take you on a journey of life.

Hailing from Romford, Essex, Keef Shellement's sound is a fusion of UK rap, grime and hip hop. With a long standing background in drum and bass, playing some big stages in 5 different countries, he has an undeniable stage presence which can captivate an audience. With an honest, and refreshingly real approach to writing, Keef Shellement always has a story to tell and is now giving music the energy it deserves with regular releases.

Providing universal truths on Drum n Bass riddims. Using his relaxed flow and incredible word play he hopes to innovate and educate a new generation of musical souls. If you’re ready for the awakening, you’re ready for Raw Data.