Band on the Wall launches Spotlight Artist Scheme to amplify migrant voices in music

Manchester music venue, Band on the Wall, has launched its Spotlight Artist Development Scheme to support and showcase musical artists who have migrated to the region.

The scheme forms part of the venue’s World of Song programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and delivered in partnership with arts charity Community Arts North West (CAN). The wider programme comprises six diverse projects curated solely for migrant communities and asylum seekers based in Greater Manchester.

Band on the Wall is best known as an iconic live music venue in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and is owned and operated by Inner City Music. The venue plays host to jazz, folk, blues and international music from across the city, celebrating the cultural diversity that shapes Manchester’s music scene.

The Spotlight Artist Development scheme offers professional support to ensembles, bands or soloists who perform music inspired by their cultural heritage.

The project offers several performance opportunities; professional studio sessions, expert-led masterclasses, and marketing support – all part of a holistic initiative designed to help them navigate the UK music industry and advance their musical careers.

This year, the scheme is working with three acts: Guacamaya Latin Band, Hamsaz Ensemble and Xaawo Kiin.

Guacamaya Latin Band, led by José Mesa, blends Afro Caribbean, Reggae, Salsa and Venezuelan rhythms with politically conscious lyrics.

José and fellow band member Joel Rojas Arriaga were forced to leave Venezuela in 2014 due to political repression and social upheaval.

The band are part of the scheme to help them develop original music to evolve their act outside of their usual cover-song gigs.

Mesa said: "We are so grateful to CAN and BOTW for welcoming us into Manchester's vibrant live music scene. It's an absolute honour and we believe this experience will open many doors for us."

One of Somalia’s most celebrated female musicians, Xaawo Kiin began performing as a refugee in Ethiopia in 2008 before moving to the UK in 2010. Now based in Manchester, she writes and composes music rooted in Somali culture, covering themes of love, loss, politics and community.

Her performances embrace cultural dress and traditional dance, connecting audiences with her heritage. Through the project, Xaawo aims to grow her career in the UK and develop a more international sound.

Formed in Iran in 2018 and now based in the UK, Hamsaz Ensemble is a 15-piece group blending traditional Iranian instruments such as the Setar, Santur, and Daf alongside Western instruments.

Their music reflects the contemporary Iranian diaspora, weaving stories of adaptation, hope and resilience. Often carrying a political edge, their songs champion themes such as the ‘Women, Life, Freedom movement’ and confront the realities of forced migration.

As artists newer to the professional industry, the scheme is helping Hamsaz Ensemble navigate the UK music industry while raising their profile and amplifying their shared cultural experience.

The project also offers 20 additional places for music-focused masterclasses to artists outside the main scheme. These sessions include advice on wellbeing from the Musicians’ Union and insights from experienced touring artists.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall and Inner City Music, said: "Being able to support artists to develop their musical careers - both locally and from all over the globe - is at the heart of what we do at Band on the Wall.

"Our Spotlight Artist Development scheme is so exciting, and we are very lucky to work with our three brilliant artists. We can't wait to watch them grow, create and prosper musically."

Band on the Wall’s charity programme already engages with over 7,500 people annually.

The World of Song initiative hopes to further expand Band on the Wall’s reach and help celebrate the songs, stories and music that reflect Manchester today.