We Speak Events

INDIKA FESTIVAL IS BACK: Line-up announced for this Autumn!

Published

8 months ago

September 20, 2023

Don Reed

Earlier this year, it was announced that the INDIKA Festival would return for 2023, taking place this Autumn from 1st – 12th November, featuring a 12-day celebration of Indian music, dance, arts and culture! And now, the festival is excited to reveal the artists set to perform this year!

Headlining the festival will be none other than legendary percussionist, producer and composer Talvin Singh OBE. A giant and pioneer of British-Asian music, Singh’s multi-decade spanning career has seen him collaborate with and write for the likes of Sun Ra, the late Ustad Sultan Khan, Madonna, Yoko Ono and more.

Having worked as Björk’s percussionist and artistic director in 1993, Singh garnered critical acclaim for himself in 1999, winning the Mercury Music Prize for his debut album OK. Singh’s unique synthesis of electronic music and Eastern aesthetic is often referred to as Asian Underground.

Talvin will be joined by an incredible ensemble of musicians, as he exclusively shares material from his highly anticipated and long-awaited new album at The Tung Auditorium on 5th November.

The city of Liverpool and its multitude of iconic venues will play host to the festival, with an expanded and eclectic programme of events, featuring contemporary Indian music, dance, visual arts, films, poetry, talks and participatory activities taking place across the city.

From seasoned professionals, to brand new collaborations formed especially for INDIKA 2023, the first wave of artists announced to perform at the festival in November include maestros of the Sitar and the Tabla, Shakir Khan & Shahbaz Hussain. Plus, making their UK debut, will be rising stars The Sarod Sisters, set to perform alongside Milap artist-in-residence Kousic Sen.

Returning to Liverpool after 15 years will be the illustrious vocalist and composer Swati Natekar in her performance of Raag Rang. Alsoon the lineup will be The MMR Trio – featuring Olivia Moore on violin, Giuliano Modarelli on guitar, and Gurdain Rayatt on Tabla. Created especially for Indika 2023, a performance from the Indika Collective will feature a brand new collaboration between an incredibly talented group of diverse Indian folk and classical artists.

For fans of Indian dance, world renowned artist Harinie Jeevitha will perform ‘VARADARĀJAM UPĀSMAHĒ’ at the Unity Theatre. A week later, Payal Ramchandani and an ensemble of artists will take to the stage of The Capstone Theatre for a mystical performance of ‘The Forest Dream’. Suitable for all the family, and just in time for half-term, there’ll also be a double billing of theatrical dance production Sita’s Magical Forest.

Whilst the music and dance of India will take centre-stage throughout the festival, The Reader at Calderstones Park will play host to a variety of literary and mindfulness events, with dedicated family-friendly activities suitable for all ages to enjoy. Throughout the festival, there’ll be ‘Shared Reading’ sessions, where participants are invited to discover and discuss Indian literature in group sittings.

There’ll also be an early-morning yoga session, with live Indian music followed by chai, in the beautiful surroundings of The Reader’s Mansion House, amidst the backdrop of the magnificent Calderstones Park. For younger audiences, ‘The Diwali Story’ will take place at The Storybarn on 11th November.

Providing festival-goers with a treat for the senses, Indian Street Food geniuses Bundobust will join as one of the official food and drink partners for Indika 2023. They’ll co-host two exclusive events; an extra-special Indian DJ night on 4th November, and a Diwali Celebration for all to enjoy on 12th November.

And, for the first time ever, the festival will extend its reach beyond the City Centre and expand into the wider City Region, giving an even bigger audience the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by Indian arts and culture. There’s plenty more artists yet to be revealed, with more exciting announcements being made over the coming weeks. Find out more here: https://milap.co.uk/indika/

We Speak Entertainment

Unveiling Stacey Jackson: From Pop Stardom to Literary Adventure

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Public Relations Agency LLC

Stacey Jackson, the multitalented singer-songwriter known for her infectious tunes and dynamic performances, is now making waves in the literary world with her debut novel, “How a Gangsta Rapper Made Me A Better Mom try”. As she gears up for her upcoming Flipside Tour across the UK, fans are eagerly anticipating not only her electrifying stage presence but also the chance to delve into the pages of her captivating new novel.

Stacey opens up about her transition from crafting melodies to penning prose, shedding light on the creative process behind her literary venture and its intersection with her music career.

Inspiration Strikes: From Lyrics to Literature

When asked about her inspiration for diving into novel writing, Stacey reveals, “Transitioning to writing a novel was terrifying! But having cameras in my house following me around 24/7 wasn’t my family’s cup of tea! So, a friend of mine… said, ‘Why don’t you just write a book?'” Thus began her journey into the world of storytelling, fueled by her desire to share her remarkable life experiences in a fresh and engaging format.

Crafting Characters and Connecting Stories

Stacey’s creative process for writing “How a Gangsta Rapper Made Me A Better Mom” involved weaving together a tapestry of characters and plotlines, drawing inspiration from her own adventures in the music industry. She explains, “The bulk of the book is loosely based on my own journey… I literally played every venue from ‘shitty’ dives on the side of the motorway to massive sporting arenas.” Through meticulous planning and a touch of artistic flair, she brought her characters to life, each with their own unique voice and personality.

Themes of Resilience and Pursuing Dreams

At the heart of her novel lie themes of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Stacey hopes to convey to her readers that “it’s never too late to live your own dreams and never give up on your passions or on yourself.” Her novel serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of embracing new challenges, echoing her own journey of reinvention and success.

Balancing Acts: Music, Writing, and Everything In Between*

Navigating the worlds of music and literature may seem like a daunting task, but for Stacey, it’s all about embracing the ebb and flow of creativity. From crafting melodies to penning chapters, she thrives on spontaneity and the thrill of creative collaboration. “I juggle everything in very random order,” she admits, highlighting her ADHD-fueled approach to balancing multiple projects. Yet, amidst the chaos, she finds moments of clarity and inspiration, fueling her artistic endeavors with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

Looking Ahead: A Trilogy in the Making

As Stacey prepares to embark on her Flipside Tour, she already has her sights set on the next chapter of her literary journey. “The first book was meant to be part of a trilogy,” she reveals, hinting at future adventures for her beloved characters. With each installment, she plans to explore new facets of their lives, intertwining music, family, and personal growth in a delightful blend of fiction and reality.

Conclusion: A Star on the Rise

With her infectious energy and boundless creativity, Stacey Jackson continues to captivate audiences across multiple artistic platforms. As fans eagerly await the kickoff of her Flipside Tour, one thing is clear: Stacey’s star shines brightly in both the world of music and the realm of literature, proving that true talent knows no bounds.

So, whether you’re grooving to her latest hit or losing yourself in the pages of her debut novel, one thing’s for sure – with Stacey Jackson, the journey is always an unforgettable adventure.

*Get ready to flip the script and join Stacey Jackson on her Flipside Tour, coming soon to a city near you!*

The Factory Live

Worthing on the South Coast

16th May

Leestock festival

Long Melford, Suffolk

26th May

The Camden Club

London

4th June

Pride in the park

southampton