Allysha Joy + B-ahwe

Well versed in poetry and performance, Allysha Joy’s potent lyricism, unique musicianship & killer vocals have garnered legions of attentive fans the world over. She’s an integral member of the Melbourne soul jazz scene, known as part of the acclaimed 30/70 Collective & for her own equally revered solo work.

Her latest release,‘Light It Again’ is a four-part expedition across a variety of grooves and deep lyricism that marks a defiant statement of intimacy and hope. Produced and engineered by twice Grammy nominated artist Clever Austin (Hiatus Kaiyote), the EP features accompaniment from an all-star line up of Melbourne artists; Horatio Luna, Ziggy Zeitgeist, Danika Smith and Josh Kelly. This EP marks a new sound for the young artist, transmitting her honest and raw expression through the signature crunch and sonic landscape of Clever Austin.

Allysha is already well established across Australia and Europe, performing on the live circuit alongside the likes of Sampa the Great, Matthew Halsall, Ezra Collective, Bradley Zero and Children of Zeus, as well as hosting a monthly show on Gilles Petersons’ Worldwide FM Radio.

As a producer and prolific feature artist Allysha appears on releases from Rhythm Section, Total Refreshment Centre, Future Classic and now an EP for First Word, 'Light It Again’. Her 2018 debut album ‘Acadie : Raw’ on Gondwana Records won ‘Best Soul Album’ at the Music Victoria Awards, was nominated for ‘Best Jazz Album’ at the Worldwide Awards, and featured in many end-of-year lists, including Bandcamp’s Top Soul Albums.

Allysha’s lyrics weave together a heartfelt mix of love, power, wonder, anger, faith and hope for change. An artist that presents a palette of intricate grace and optimism, whilst unafraid of adding uncomfortable truths. Allysha is an incredibly powerful live performer; her husky vocals sonically synced with her formidable Fender Rhodes playing, whilst her influences are a solid base of jazz, hip hop and R&B all glazed with the unique special sauce the Melbourne soul scene has become known for globally.

A gloriously meditative, raw soul, we are delighted to be able to share her music with you.

Now residing in South London after shaping her sound in Leeds, future soul singer/songwriter B-ahwe’s ability to tell intricately woven stories has begun to turn heads. With a focus on rich vocal arrangements, lush instrumentals and poetic lyricism, she’s been likened to a ‘trip-hop Kate Bush’.

Her versatility and arrangement skills have led to successful collaborations across different styles and genres with a number of artists. She has contributed her vocals to several projects in the last couple of years including underground UK hip-hop acts Lausse The Cat and Nix Northwest. She’s also consistently contributed to jazz-crossover act Yaatri, as well as featuring with London jazzers Pyjæn and Hospital Records’ Drum and Bass heavyweight Mitekiss.

She’s found industry-wide support from the Independent, New Wave Magazine, Atwood Magazine, Gigwise and WordPlay. In Autumn 2022, she was spotlighted as Jamz Supernova’s ‘After Dark Discovery’ on BBC Radio 1Xtra, and was playlisted on Reprezent Radio. This came in a year which also saw recognition from Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1, Emily Pilbeam on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM, and Tony Minvielle an Jazz FM, to name a few. She also won the 2022 Drake YolanDa Award.

In a live setting, B-ahwe has appeared at Lost Village Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, World Island Festival and Tramlines, and has supported the likes of Yazmin Lacey, Noya Rao and Fatima. Since the release of 2nd EP ‘Motions’, she’s supported Nubiyan Twist as part of their ‘Freedom Fables’ release tour, as well as playing sold-out release shows at Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds, and The Old Queen’s Head in Islington. In Spring 2022, she aperformed headline shows in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Brighton, once again expanding her audience into new cities across the UK. She also supported Oscar Jerome on his tour for ‘The Spoon’ in autumn 2022.

2023 sees B-ahwe ready to release her first mixtape. Although featuring her trademark jazz inflected, future soul sonics, the project will act as a blank canvas to push her sound in new directions. Already confirmed for a Rhythm Section showcase with Gayance and Oscar Jerome in April, and We Out Here festival in August, it’s set to be a breakout year.

TIMINGS

1900 Doors open

1930 B-ahwe

2030 Allysha Joy

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