projects

HIGHLIGHTS

LEGACY

  • LEGACY documentary series explores the untold stories of Birmingham’s grime, hip-hop, and rap scenes - the artists who have been responsible for, and have influenced the city’s Black music scene; allowing new sub-genres and artists to follow in their footsteps.

  • Watch the series on Link UP TV

UNION BLACK

  • YouTube and Google have announced the launch of UNION BLACK: Sounds Of A Nation. A new multi-platform online exhibition that celebrates the history and impact that Black British music has had on the UK and beyond.

    The collaborative project was developed with 25 UK-based music and cultural partners, including Black Cultural Archives, Notting Hill Carnival, Arts Council England, The Black Music Coalition, Somerset House, TRENCH, Bounce Cinema, Punch Records and many more. As well as Black British artists, producers and content creators, including Danny D and Adrian Sykes, Trillary Banks, Richie Brave, Jamz Supernova, Moelogo, and Cashh.

  • Discover the campaign on Google Arts and Culture

BASS Festival

  • BASS Festival (British Arts and Street Sounds) is the UK’s only month long celebration of Black Music and Art. Every year, the UK comes alive with a phenomenal line up of events, new commissions, gigs, exhibitions, master classes, showcases, club nights, theatre, conferences and film.

  • Discover the festival on our webpage

HOMELANDS

  • Homelands Heroes is the journey following four of the UK’s most exciting and diverse artists; Shakka, Diztortion, Terri Walker & Saskilla as they embark on a global music adventure.

  • Watch the documentary series on Youtube

WRITE THE FUTURE

  • Write The Future, hosted by PUNCH in collaboration with the WEST MIDLANDS MUSIC BOARD and META, equipped both aspiring and established artists with tools to navigate online spaces, including R&B stalwart PHELEBA, who ended the conference with a live performance.

  • Discover the learnings on our blog

it gets lighter from here

  • It Gets Lighter From Here is a collaborative, cultural experience from the West Midlands Culture Response Unit (WMCRU) – a virtual day of hope and positivity, showcasing a collection of 60-second films from organisations across the region.

  • Discover the campaign on Youtube

Bhangra: Birmingham and Beyond

  • Bhangra: Birmingham and Beyond, the first book of its kind ever, is written by Dr Rajinder Dudrah, a senior lecturer in Film and Media Studies at the University of Manchester. This historical overview of the unique music genre has been produced in collaboration with Punch Records supremo Ammo Talwar and established photographer-writer Boy Chana.

  • Purchase the book on Amazon

CAPTIVATED

  • Captivated is a digital project which brings attention to local talent, and creatively challenges musicians and poets from across Birmingham to collaborate on a track, during a pandemic, which has halted many artists creativity & careers.

  • Watch on Youtube

STRICTLY PROHIBITED

  • IN OCTOBER 2022, THE JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT “BANNED DANCEHALL”.

    As part of their "commitment to keep their airwaves free of harmful content", Broadcasting Commission Jamaica prohibited the nation's radio and television stations from "playing music that glorifies lottery scamming, illegal guns and the use of the drug Molly".

    A brand new production team delves deep into the garrisons of Kingston, Portmore and Spanish Town to unpack the impact of this 2022 “Dancehall Ban”; offering up eyewitness access to Jamaica's leading artists, entrepreneurs, producers and radio stalwarts as they respond to the establishment crackdown on their creative freedom, their livelihoods and very possibly their liberty.

    Filmed over ten days on location in Jamaica, with unlimited access to world class Dancehall & contemporary reggae artists including A I Milly, Yaadcore, Samory I, Kurt Reilly, King Kush Studios and Chendin.

    Shot by award winning documentary mavericks from the UK - Freddie Stewart and Gene Kavanagh - both with showreels featuring work with leading artists including the Friendly Fire 2022 Commonwealth Games music video.

    Featuring six world-class artists who are the musicians behind the global hits “Burglar Life”, “Ready Now”, “Love and Mercy” and “Thank God Fi Di Galdem”

    This new film is produced by PUNCH in partnership with MBC and Drop Top Records who work very closely with artists including Skeng, Kraft and much more. A short 15 min documentary will be released in March 2023

  • You can watch the documentary on Youtube

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

BAR4BAR

DOWNLOW

TUG OF WAR

DOSED

BIRCHFIELD LIGHT NIGHT

BRIG

REWORLDING

AC3 INVASION

BLACK NEW STREET

DESI MOVES

MULTIVERSE

SHE

“"Legacy" was so much more than a revelation about Birmingham's Grime and Rap scene; it was a masterclass in principles for life and work, community, resilience, authentcity, and mentorship..."

- David Boyle, Music Executive