Toronto and UK artists came together for The 6ix In London 2 at Aures London in Central London. Here’s a look what went down.
From our shared Jamaican and African influences and slang, to the growing popularity of artists like NorthSideBenji in the UK and musical collaborations between artists like Pressa and Bandokay, Baka Not Nice and Giggs, and Drake and the likes of J Hus, Central Cee and Skepta, the connection between Toronto and the UK has never been stronger. Filling the gap is a budding concert event with the goal of helping to foster greater connections between Toronto and the UK’s rising stars.
Hip-hop fans recently gathered at the Aures London in Central London for The 6ix In London 2, a first-of-its-kind concert event which unites up and coming artists from both Toronto and the U.K. on one stage.
The 6ix was established in 2014 when founder Dwayne O. Neufville, aka “Dwade The CEO” wanted to give Toronto artists the platform to showcase their talents. After a move to the UK, Dwade turned his focus towards being an international bridge between his hometown and the UK.
“Having lived in both Toronto and London, I’ve had a chance to see the up and coming talent in both cities”, Dwade told SHIFTER. “I think artists in both cities can benefit from networking with each other, building international connections, and having opportunities to perform together. The connection between Toronto and the UK has never been stronger.”
After a successful first edition in 2018, which brought together British artists M24, D7, Nathan Hector, Young Kye and Toronto artists NorthSideBenji, Swaggerite, and OVO Coach aka Banana, The 6ix In London returned in 2023, with support from Shakira Walters and Girls Of Grime, with a new lineup of rising artists. Repping the 6ix were Private Name Private Number, JELLYTOOFLY, and Ranko Fly, and repping the UK were C Cane, NY, Abigail Asante, D7 and special guest Big Zuu, D Wills, DAYSH, Ariez Babyyy, Young J, Moneyfeenkyz, FRIZZ PRICE, Stormmillian, and headliner RIMZEE, regarded as one of the top lyricists in the UK. Holding down hosting duties were C Cane and NY with DJ Shaxx, DJ JB, and DJ Danjah D bringing the vibes.
The event saw the artists take to the stage one-by-one as they took turns rocking the crowd. While the event is only in its second edition, Dwade has big ambitions. For future events, the 6ix In London plans to bring several fresh and innovative concepts to its growing audience, including a planned London In The 6ix where UK artists will showcase in Toronto.
“The 6ix In London is going well, but we’re also looking to bring UK artists to Canada and expose them to the Canadian market and hopefully gain some new fans and contacts. I also plan on tapping into other industries to bridge the gap for Toronto and the flip the script and host UK In The 6ix. That’s the next evolution of the movement.”
To learn more about The 6ix In London follow them on the-6ix.com and Instagram.
SHIFTER editor, Kevin Bourne, is a Toronto-based entertainment journalist focusing on music and film & TV. He was recently named a Golden Globe Awards international voter by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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