Singer and songwriter Ray BLK (Rita Ekwere) was born in Nigeria and grew up in Catford. She signed to Island Records and released her debut mini-album, Durt, in 2016; the following year, she won BBC Music Sound.
She is set to perform live at The Forum, Kentish Town on October 3 and here, she explains how she finds inspiration in the capital.
How has London culture influenced your work?
My music is about where I’m from and the experiences in my area so it tells stories of the London culture where I’m from.
The Olympics shined a positive light on London culture – what next?
We need to champion our own artists more so the rest of the world can see how much talent there is there.
London’s culture is constantly changing, how do you keep up?
By being a part of it. Going to that new bar / venue, always watching new videos or new music coming out and hanging out with new and different people.
Name three places people should go, to taste a slice of London’s culture?
Notting Hill Carnival, Birthdays and Visions in Dalston, Shoreditch Boxpark.
Where’s your favourite cultural hotspot?
Shoreditch House. A lot more people in the creative industries visit that branch.
