Queer Black Britain Stand Up Tall!
TRENCH shines a spotlight on some of the Black British music artists, from the LGBTQI+ community, who are reshaping the homegrown landscape on their own terms.
Image of LGBTQ+ Flag (2021) by Anete LusinaTRENCH
From early pioneers like Debbie Smith, Joan Armatrading and Skin of Skunk Anansie, to trailblazers like Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, there are many who've paved the way for Black British LGBTQI+ artists and made firm imprints on the culture.
A image of a Club Night Party (2021) by Aleksandar PasaricTRENCH
Despite the challenges of homophobia and hate that are very much prevalent in our society, there are a multitude of musicians who are setting pace, making it impossible to ignore the profound impact that queer artists are having on reshaping the British music scene.
Lady Leshurr backstage Afropunk UK. (2016) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
Rap, drill and grime are genres dominated by cishet men at first glance, but dig a little deeper and you discover a world of groundbreaking talent. From established names like Lady Leshurr and emerging talent like Karnage Kills, Kween Deekayy and Reptile B.
A force to be reckoned with, Reptile B spits authentic bars influenced by old-school grime, but is quick to switch it up on Jersey Club with patois-laced vocals too (see: "Working Girl").
Also defying boundaries is the self-professed ‘Grime Barbie’, Karnage Kills, who fuses rap with house to make vivacious club bangers. His punchy lines and unapologetically image see him carving out a new lane with no signs of slowing down.
Amaria BB at Arsenal Football Game (2022) by Tiffannie MersadesTRENCH
UK R&B is currently thriving, and Hackney-bred singer-songwriter Amaria BB is on the rise.
Blending R&B and dancehall to create a sultry, yet raw soundscape has led this young star to gain over 60 million streams on her single "Slow Motion" and almost one million global monthly listeners on Spotify.
Image of LGBTQ+ Flag (2021) by Anete LusinaTRENCH
It's safe to say Amaria is here to stay, refreshing us with sensual lyrics and bold visuals that re-imagine love in a modern world.
An early image of MNEK (2014) by Nicky KelvinTRENCH
When it comes to living icons, triple-threat MNEK has earnt their position. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer has had a hand in much of R&B trio FLO’s output, as well as writing songs for the likes of Kylie Minoque and other allies.
Having held writing camps for the LGBTQI+ community, MNEK has been unapologetic about using their platform to elevate the next generation of queer artists coming through.
A Candid Photo of Sherelle (2018) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
Label boss, DJ and producer SHERELLE is a household name when it comes to the next generation of junglists.
Known for her high-energy 160BPM sets and production, crossing genres from footwork to drum and bass, the UK selector is set to build a lasting legacy through her new platform, BEAUTIFUL, which aims to celebrate and support Black queer electronic artists.
South London-born producer, artist, DJ and UK funky fanatic Fiyahdred supplies hot blends and heavy basslines without fail, gracing Glastonbury stages and decorating line-ups across the UK. (Pictured: Bottom Right)
Inspired by the boldness of Black, queer culture and a vast spectrum of genres including garage, soca and rare Grooves, Fiyahdred's "Anyway (Do It)" showcases this to a T.
Band Big Joanie (2022) by Tom HamTRENCH
Black British artists, who belong to the LGBTQI+ community, are representing across all genres, from dancehall and drill to jungle and pop and punk, highlighting that there is no singular way to exist as a Black artist.
These unapologetic voices are powerful symbols of artistic freedom and serve as inspiration for future generations to break out of the boxes they may have previously been forced into.
Words by Renee Charles
Photography by Tiffannie Mersades, Tom Ham, Nicky Kelvin, Laura Brosnan [Frank Archives]
Videos by Boiler Room, Terrell Grice, Karnage Kills, Reptile B
Commissioned by TRENCH
