Arts School Live 2026 preview – Black History Month edition celebrates identity and heritage
By Grace Peter. Featured image: Rory Green
Four artists will take the stage in Manchester for an evening celebrating Black identity, heritage and musical expression.
Arts School Live returns to Manchester Metropolitan University this Black History Month, bringing together artists J Chambers, Tsana, Rory Green and Grumpy for a showcase spanning reggae dub and rap to R&B, jazz and soul.
Each artist will offer their own perspective of Black identity through their music, drawing on personal experiences and cultural influences.
Black History Month celebrates the history, talents and achievements of Black communities across Britain. Arts School Live captures this spirit, highlighting the diversity of Black music and the creativity of the artists shaping it.
The event also gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience of the live music industry. Working as part of a production team, students have taken on roles across journalism, events management, technical production, editorial and documentation to bring this showcase to life.
Here’s a closer look at the artists joining Art School Live this month and the stories behind their music.
Meet the artists
J Chambers
Rooted from reggae, J Chambers combines dub poetry and rap to bring together sound, heritage and resistance. Exploring identity, cultural pride and politics, he has gained support from BBC Radio, Rinse FM, Reggae Ville and Riddim Magazine.
Through tracks such as ‘Dub Poetry’ and ‘I Dare You’, Chambers confronts societal issues and pushes back against modern stereotypes about what it means to be Black. Celebrating Black excellence while addressing the prejudice Black people face in everyday life, he reminds listeners: “We come from doctors, nurses, caretakers…”
With uplifting themes of freedom woven throughout his lyrics, Chambers also reflects on historical injustices, highlighting the resilience of Black communities in the face of past oppression and adversity.
Tsana
Manchester-based R&B soulstress Tsana draws inspiration from her Bajan and Jamaican heritage, blending rich, silky vocals with the nostalgic feel of 90s R&B and a contemporary twist.
Released earlier this year, her uplifting single ‘Manifestation’ encourages listeners to “make it happen” and “go get what you want”, delivering a message of self-belief and empowerment. Her five-track EP Lovehood, released in 2024, explores the different stages of a love affair, celebrating love, womanhood and emotional growth through her signature R&B and soul sound.
Rory Green
Contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Rory Green draws on his African and European heritage, blending shared experiences with personal reflection. Having spent parts of his childhood in Ghana and the north of England, his upbringing continues to shape his sound to this day.
Tracks such as ‘Moments Brighter Than The Sun’ and ‘Forgiveness’ bring together ambient, jazz and folk, creating atmospheric soundscapes that invite listeners into an immersive storytelling experience.
Grumpy
Completing the line-up is Lagos-born Afro-fusion rapper Grumpy, who blends UK rap culture with the musical traditions of his Nigerian heritage.
Working as a barber ‘by day, Grumpy swaps his scissors for a mic, bringing the same precision to his lyrics as he does his cuts.
In ‘Better Days’, Grumpy delivers an uplifting message, encouraging listeners to “feel grateful at whatever stage” – a sentiment that resonates with the themes of Black History Month.
Art School Live takes place on Thursday 29th October at Manchester Metropolitan University, Grosvenor East Building, GE 2.19, from 6pm-9pm. Book your free ticket here.
