Artists announced for Here to Remember commission

British-Ugandan songwriter Daudi Matsiko carefully crafts modern, albeit reverent folk. Deft, melancholic picking reminiscent of Nick Drake is tempered by contemporary instrumentation, with Matsiko’s vocals deriving their strength from their seeming fragility. Focused on the emotionally authentic and introspective. With every song, his confessional lyrics cut to the marrow.

Daudi says: "Being able to and encouraged to create artistic work specifically focused on the experiences, histories and stories of the Black community and global majority is something I will cherish. I’m certain it will have an impact on my journey as an artist, songwriter and storyteller.”

Mia Koden is a South London-based South Sudanese and British music producer and DJ who also works across heritage, culture and community projects. Initially growing up in Ghana and Nigeria soundtracked by her parents' lively stash of global music, her formative years back in the UK had frequent soundsystem pilgrimages to spaces where roots reggae, drum & bass and dubstep could be heard. Koden has since been creating and championing bass-leaning electronic music, mainly 140 BPM when part of duo Sicaria Sound and now also expanding to 2-step, dub and other wider electronic and experimental realms.

Mia says: “I’m excited about combining both of my main interests (music and heritage) whilst learning new forms of practice.”

Bermuda born musician and visual designer Jahday Ford aka Obeka transitioned into the Manchester music scene in 2016 building a native sound and rhythm distinct to his homeland. Co-founder of the Me Gusta Collective, Obeka blends native styles from Pan-African, Caribbean and South American origins that became essential for manifesting polyrhythmic electronic beats and tempos with a mix of live and software based drum recording. After recently becoming a Ghanaian Oroko Radio resident, he aspires to expose and reconnect diversified people and cultures through his projects, radio and live events.

Obeka says: “What I'm looking forward to most is discovering Caribbean people, organisations and artists deeply rooted in Manchester to help give more exposure to their impact on culture and society.”