Global Soul Takeover: Young Athena, Ria Moran, Hope Winter & Connie Eliza

EFG London Jazz Festival

Global Soul Takeover

Performing Live

Young Athena

Singer-songwriter Young Athena, a Mastercard Ambassador & Artist Accelerator Alumni, MOBO Unsung-Certified Alumni, BRIT School Alumni and Own It and Go Forward Ambassador. Is a seasoned entertainer with over a hundred & fifty live performances over 2 years ten of which she headlined. Seamlessly blends R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, and more, showcasing her diverse talent, and performances at major events like Latitude Festival 2025, The BRIT Awards Mastercard’s Afterparty held at the Indigo 02, AIG Women's Golf, UEFA Champion’s Festival in Trafalgar Square, Cloud X Festival, East Beach Festival, All Points East Festival, South Facing Festival, The Great Escape Festival, Notting Hill Carnival, London Fashion Week, and her sold-out show Mastercard Presents: Young Athena Live To Vinyl at Metropolis Studios. She’s been interviewed and had her music played on BBC Introducing, BBC 1xtra, and Capital Xtra, her musical journey began early, influenced by her parents, mother an opera singer and father a rapper. Her debut single at 12 marked the start of her rise, with subsequent hits like "On Fleek" cementing her local fame. With a knack for delving into social issues and personal growth through her music, Young Athena has solidified her status as a rising star in London's music scene. Her tireless work ethic and dedication to her craft are evident in her independently released singles, music videos, and collaborations with top producers, setting her apart as an artist to watch in the industry.

Ria Moran

Liverpool-raised, London-based alt-soul singer-songwriter Ria Moran is perhaps best known for her collaborative work with heavyweights of the UK contemporary jazz and soul scene like Nubiyan Twist, Gotts Street Park and Daniel Casimir. However, 2025 sees her shift focus to her solo career as she prepares to release her debut album ‘Cubico’ via DeepMatter Records.

An artist with an original, forward-thinking take on soul music, Ria blends silky electronics, neo-soul and alternative influences with her unmistakable vocals, sitting somewhere between Madison McFerrin, Ego Ella May and Cleo Sol. Her forthcoming album showcases her adventurous tendencies as a producer, composer and lyricist, perfectly balancing playful arrangements with sincere, emotionally resonant lyricism. Drawing on her experiences of psychotherapy, as well as reflecting on acclaimed physician Gabor Maté’s writing around trauma, the record builds a strong narrative around self-care, love and connection.

Ria released her debut solo EP 'Moving into the Light' in 2019 with AWAL. 'You'll Stay Down' was picked as BBC6's Tom Robinsons 'Fresh Fave' and received playlist support from UK Jazz, Jazz Pop and 21st Century Jazz, plus radio play from BBC Introducing, BBC 6 Music and Worldwide FM. The project currently has over 1 million streams across DSPs.

After the release of the EP, in 2020 she featured on Nubiyan Twist's MOBO nominated, album 'Freedom Fables' with her song 'Morning Light', before performing with them as lead vocalist on their headline tours in the UK & Europe for 3 years. Together, they performed at Glastonbury West Holts, We Out Here, Cross the Tracks and Greenman. Other credits include live radio performances for Jamie Cullum's Jazz Show on BBC2 and a live session at Maida Vale for the release of 'Through The Noise' which was released as part of legendary jazz label Blue Note’s ‘Blue Note - Re:Imagined’ Album in 2023.

Alongside her work with Nubiyan Twist, Ria also joined Gotts Street Park as their featured vocalist for their UK tour in November 2023, performing alongside Celeste, ENNY and Pip Millet. Pursing her passion for collaboration, she also collaborated with celebrated UK bassplayer Daniel Casimir for his ‘Boxed In’ orchestral project.

Hope Winter

A singer Song writer from London still yet to release any music she rose to fame as semi-finalist on the voice in 2023 and through her popular social media performances on Instagram Tik Tok and You Tube where she has accumulated over 20 million views. Coming from a non-musical family she is self-taught musician with an extradentary voice that has already build a sufficient fan base to sell out her headline show in 2024 at The Social.

She has enjoyed support from BBC Introducing and she is held in such esteem as a songwriter who has already had numerous sync placements she was appointed as a Board Director at the prestigious Ivor’s Academy.

Connie Eliza

When life starts to feel a little too loud, Connie Eliza is the kind of artist who helps you tune back in. The independent jazz-soul singer from Essex brings a silky vocal tone and a deep love for groove, drawing influence from artists like The Stylistics, Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, and Lianne La Havas.

After standout live performances at venues like Ronnie Scott’s and Café KOKO, as well as supporting Sophie Faith, and with early support from BBC Introducing, Spotify and Women in Jazz, Connie has carved out a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.

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