1. Afriquoi - Secret Garden Party
This amazing band beautifully blend African influences from Gambia and Congo with contemporary UK beats, which culminates in a wholeheartedly infectious and endearing sound. So if you stumble across this name whilst flicking through your next festival guide make sure not to miss them!
2. Elder Island - Brain Child
This wonderfully pitched trio from Bristol have been tearing up the festival scene this summer with their EP released exclusively to Rough Trade last year they are starting to turn some heads. They're so good that i couldn't choose just one track, so here's two.
3. The Cat Empire - Secret Garden Party
After seeing their mind blowing performance at the Albert Hall I was swiftly in pursuit of a Secret Garden Party ticket, which was the next stop on their tour of the UK this summer. Although they have been around for over a decade the majority of people I tell about them have no idea what i'm talking about. This being said in the 24 years of my life and numerous artists I have seen, from Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Blur, Nas to Bruce Springsteen or anyone else, no one has been better than The Cat Empire. I am fully aware that is a rather bold statement to make, but i strongly urge anyone who disagrees to go and see them wherever and whenever they can. These Aussie boys really get it right.
4. Rudimental, Will Heard & George Clinton - Glastonbury
This was a personal highlight of watching Glastonbury, as you could see the admiration for this Funk legend from everyone in the euphoric Rudimental crew. Will Heard especially, who is only just starting out his career, so to be playing on the world renowned Pyramid Stage next to George Clinton makes for quite a memorable performance.
5. Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate - Secret Garden Party
This brilliantly unorthodox fusion band have been a favourite of mine since I first laid ears on them, so to see them live was a real treat. With Joe Driscoll's background being Hip-hop/ Folk and born in New York to Sekou Kouyate's traditional West African Kora sound. A Kora is a 21 stringed african instrument that makes the guitar look like a child bashing on a multicoloured xylophone. This fusion works seamlessly in my opinion and creates a really interesting sound, so again if you get a chance I urge you to see them live.
6. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Citadel
Nathaniel Rateliff has a voice that i defy anyone's ears not to prick up at, bridging the gap between country and soul he can get any crowd whooping, clapping and stomping like they were born and bread in the mid west. Although the debut album touches on country, soul and even blues it is well worth a listen.
7. Kiko Bun - Secret Garden Party
Lastly and by no means least is a Dub/ Reggae vocalist from London who's classic roots voice and infectious feel good beats have provided the soundtrack to my summer. The fact that the rain was lashing down outside the tent he was playing in seemed to fade into insignificance the moment he took to thee stage.
Hopefully I'll be able to clock up a greater number of festivals in 2016!
