06.09.2019

Spotlight emerging artists shine at Apple Performance

This summer at Spotlight was full of energy, creative talent and a whole load of hard work. And nothing represents that more than our little trip to Apple Covent Garden…

On Thursday, 15 August 2019, Apple Covent Garden transformed into a performance stage to welcome artists from our very own record label Spotlight Sounds, as part of its Made In LDN programme.

Invited by Apple to showcase young music and dance talents, performers aged 11 – 20 from all over the city delivered an energetic hour long concert and dance showcase in front of a giant 8k video wall. With original works ranging from grime, soul, hip-hop, dance and pop (to name a few), our artists really proved how much talent young London has.

All of the pieces performed were created in our state-of-the-art studio and performance space. Spotlight’s resident producers support young people to develop their talent, engineer and record their own tracks.

Rapper and lyricist Mustafa, 18. performing at Apple Covent Garden

“The young artists who attend Spotlight spend hours and days developing and honing their crafts. To see them shine on such a big platform is a huge pay off for them and us” said Taku Munonyara, Spotlight music technician and artist developer.

“A lot of these artistic young people barely go out past their own boroughs and so travelling to the Apple Store, Convent Garden was a fresh experience. The opportunity for our young people to be able to showcase their talents and performances at the Apple store has been such a monumental highlight for them and everyone involved.”

It is worth adding that we offer a free programme of inspirational arts activities, and work with over 7,500 young people in Tower Hamlets, one of the poorest borough for children in the country, to empower their decision making, building confidence in social, professional and creative ways.

And that is one of the reasons why it was amazing to be involved in Apple’s Made in LDN programme. This not only involved connecting with organisations supporting young people to promote their talent but also creative sessions running throughout summer at Apple Stores across London, providing young creatives with the opportunity to learn new skills and shape their artistic style.  It was supported by the Mayor of London and aims to shine a light on positive achievements by young Londoners.

Our record label Spotlight Sounds was formed in 2016, and has already released two albums on various online platforms.

Sky, a 17 year old singer-songwriter and Spotlight Sounds artist said of her Apple showcase experience: “It was great, a really big crowd and one of the first stages I’ve been on.  It was quite nerve wracking at the start but everyone was very welcoming including the [Apple] staff and a really good experience.”

“The experience performing at Apple was very overwhelming,” said EdWeezy, a 20 year old rapper previously signed to the Spotlight record label added. “But people that didn’t know me enjoyed what I was performing. It was a good way to promote my upcoming EP”.

All the artists who performed smashed it, with an inspiring level of professionalism for such a young age. Congratulations to everyone involved, and we can’t wait to see all your names in lights and some point in the near future!