Keke Manikii feat. The Creber Collective, Stepz Wanjohi & Mararlopa

Keke Manikii is a Singer/Songwriter and Rapper based in Birmingham, born in North West London. She started performing and touring extensively from age 11 after joining the school choir. This is the moment that gave Keke the needed encouragement to further develop her talent. Influenced by a combination of J Cole, H.E.R, IAMDDB and Dave. She describes her sound as a Melodic symphony of realism with a twist. Her unique songwriting and lyrics capture ‘trains of thought’ in a natural and organic way whether ‘rooted’ in conscious Hip Hop with cleverly written rap verses intertwined with sweet melodic R&B tones. Keke is an exciting up and coming artist that draws the listener in with every word placed on beat. Listen to her latest release Blessed on all platforms!

The Creber Collective: With its members from across the country but having forged in Birmingham, the genre of fusion is perhaps embodied within the bands spirit, with its distinct tunes merging elements of Jazz, 70s fusion and some Japanese/J-pop flavours creating a modern but grounded sound. The memorable tunes are primarily written by the band’s drummer and leader, Alfie Creber. Despite Alfie being from Somerset, it is the band’s pianist Arran Shanghavi who embraces the iconic tweed cap and old-fashioned manner. Having studied briefly at the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Jazz programme, he indeed brings traditional elements to the sound. In contrast, Harry Brown, who also went to Junior Jazz, brings a futuristic exciting contribution with his high-tech EWI and unbridled use of adventurous harmony. This coupled with the burning self-taught Tenor player Sam Freshwater, the incredible Trombonist Joel Beazley and finally CBSO youth member and monster on bass Rufus Stanier ultimately creates an electrifying and thrilling sound. Although the band are in embryonic stages they are not dawdling with several gigs lined up in early 2022. They have plans to record their original tunes in the next few months. From nutritious harmony, wacky time signatures to simply banging tunes, The Creber Collective will fulfil your cravings for all three, and more!

Stepz Wanjohi

My stage name is Mararlopa. I am a piano student at University and I have been composing and singing since I was little. Recently I dropped my first single and there are more of them on the way. I love painting, reading and nature.