North East One – or NE-O, as fans know him – is a Newcastle rapper who’s been grinding for almost a decade, booking his own shows, producing his own music, and moving entirely on his own terms. Independence isn’t a limitation, it’s his foundation.

From performing on stages at Reading & Leeds and Kendal Calling to supporting Chiedu Oraka, selling out hometown shows, launching locally-designed merch, and securing Youth Music funding, NE-O has built his career step by step – no shortcuts.

And he’s far from slowing down. His upcoming releases are fully self-produced and self-recorded, bringing together the best of North East talent – from generational legends to emerging voices. While the region is gaining fresh recognition, NE-O has been pushing that energy long before the spotlight arrived.

With radio support from Kiss Xtra, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and BBC Radio 1, his momentum – and self-belief – continue growing. Now stepping firmly back into his grime roots (even if they never truly left), NE-O enters a new era with sharper focus and bigger intent.

Jenna Cole’s a Newcastle-based Afrobeats artist, songwriter and producer creating globally-minded music from the heart of Whitley Bay. Blending warm vocals with infectious rhythms and soulful melodies, her sound moves between Afrobeats, R&B and Pop, delivering records that feel both intimate and energetic.

As a former member, principal Songwriter and Creative Director of a major label girlband, Jenna has taken this vast experience and continued to develop her songwriting and production as a solo Artist. She’s crafted a sound that’s true to her roots and rapidly connecting with her new-found international audience. After amassing over 2M views and 500k streams on her debut release Say It Right in September 2025. In 2026 she was named a BBC Introducing One to Watch, and she will make her live US debut at SXSW Austin.

Tariro is a North East singer-songwriter blending soulful storytelling with R&B, neo-soul and Afro-pop rhythms. Raised in gospel choir, she developed a powerful, yet emotive vocal style rooted in harmony and honesty. Her writing is conversational and intentional, often unfolding like lived experience in real time, exploring identity, resilience, and love with nuance and depth.

As a Young Black Northern artist, her perspective is personal yet widely relatable. Before releasing music, she built momentum through live performances, including opening for Jay Sean at Mela and appearing at the Mercury Prize Fringe. Now debuting, Tariro emerges as a distinctive, emotionally precise voice whose music feels both grounding and electric.