The BBC’s Sound Of… poll normally awards its top prize to resolutely mainstream propositions, but the longlists do include some fledgling talents worth highlighting, even if it does just feel like a case of throwing stuff at a wall. South London rap collective Section Boyz are one such act who will benefit from the exposure; going by their track Long Arff – unbending grime flows over dazed hip-hop atmospherics – they deserve it. The group join Skepta in Brixton this week before setting out on a tour in the spring (20-26 Feb, tour starts Rescue Rooms, Nottingham) …
Having cancelled their tour in October due to ill heath, Dublin’s bracing and brutal Girl Band have announced new dates; catch their fabled intimate live shows while you can (19 Feb-1 Mar, tour starts Concorde 2, Brighton) …
There have been approximately two successful female British rappers in history, can Lady Leshurr make it three? From Solihull, Melesha O’Garro, 26, has wit, pop sensibilities and – judging by her lyrics – a strange fixation with other people’s personal hygiene; 2016 could be her year (3-8 Mar, tour starts Rescue Rooms, Nottingham).
