BE United Presents Live @ The Fringe was a series of exciting gigs – hosted as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories – that showcase fresh Black Scottish artists of all genres. The stories that were showcased during the project were varied. Emmanuel Carlos and Tam Tam 2000 told stories of moving to new home, whilst maintaining connection with the old. The stories centred on the journey and of belonging and acceptance. This was done through the medium of dance and talking drums, an art-form widely practice in Africa.

In April 2022 BE United launched our BE United Presents: programme. The programme consists of regular music and arts performances programmed and produced by BE United. The programme enables the artists to weave and share the many stories of their art, motivation and creative processes, thus allowing them to share and work in the most creative way they know how. Storytelling in a live setting is a fundamental part of any musician’s journey and importance of this was paramount.

BE United Presents featured guest emerging artists of all genres and helped increase opportunities for Black Artists in Scotland by providing support to artists by increasing their interaction with promoters, agents, and managers.

Show 1
This opening night show featured the best Senegalese drummers found in Scotland, alongside Afro House dancer Emanuel Carlos.

Afro House is an energetic dance originating in Africa – Emanuel’s style derives from Kuduro which is practised in Angola, where he’s originally from. He’ll be supported by Tam Tam 2000, amazing African drummers who will bring the infectious rhythms of West Africa to the Fruitmarket.

Show 2
This second show features an all-female musical line-up – talented upcoming singer-songwriter AiiTee, new pop/R&B girl group 4Tune and Sienna-Leigh of ‘The Voice Kids’ fame – bringing the heat from across Scotland. Expect incredible live music all night long, supported by the house band.

Based in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, and originally from Nigeria, singer-songwriter AiiTee has a style that’s a sweet blend of Afrobeat, soul, gospel and R&B. A rising star, her debut album ‘Love Don't Fall’ was shortlisted for 2021’s Scottish Album of the Year and she’s been tipped as one of the artists set to make it big in 2022 by BBC Radio One.

Hope, Tia, Tamara and Renata are 4Tune, a fresh young Scottish pop/R&B girl group championed by Sean Focus. And 18-year-old Sienna-Leigh – dubbed ‘The Voice’ by coach will.i.am – is set to release her debut EP in 2022

Show 3
This final show features Afro-Fusion musician and producer Sean Focus, entertaining hip hop/funk/reggae band Ramuyapiko, and innovative rap artist Billy Got Waves.

Sean Focus mixes melodic vocals and beats to create his Afro-Fusion sound, connecting his Zimbabwean heritage to his new home in Edinburgh. Laying down a compelling blend of afro-pop, hip-hop and dancehall, Sean has been championed by the likes of BBC 1Xtra and Apple Music Radio.

Known for their powerful and entertaining performances, Ramuyapiko play a fusion of hip hop/funk/reggae and African rhythms. The aim of their lyrics is to uplift and reconnect people and to create a more empathic world.

Billy Got Waves is one of the most innovative artists working in Scotland’s flourishing rap scene.

This event was supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund was delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.