It’s time to rise again!
Come together for an unforgettable night of music and spoken word, celebrating diversity and combating racism in one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.
Hip-hop legend Skinnyman, who returns to the city in a show of solidarity, will be joined by a blistering line-up of Liverpool talent, including rapper Blue Saint, Yemeni Scouse poet Amina Atiq, Roy – a storyteller like no other – and the rising stars Sam Millne & the Virants, with more exciting names to be announced.
Expect big beats and rhymes, unforgettable performances, and a vibe that’ll make you wish the night lasted forever. In the proud tradition of Rock Against Racism, this epic night will demonstrate unity in the face of those that seek to divide us and make a powerful statement that Liverpool is proudly multicultural and a city of sanctuary.
The night will kick off with a spectacular outdoor performance by the Batala drummers at the North Entrance to the hall.
This event is presented in partnership by Love Music Hate Racism, Writing on the Wall, and Liverpool City Hall and is generously supported by the trade union movement.
Skinnyman: is a British hip-hop artist renowned for his incisive lyrics and storytelling. He gained prominence through rap battles and collaborations with artists like Wiley and Shystie. His 2004 album, Council Estate of Mind, was hailed by The Face magazine as “a vital bulletin from the frontline.” Notably, he once defeated Eminem in a London rap battle and has supported The Streets at Brixton Academy. His return to Liverpool has been met with widespread acclaim.
PJ Smith – ‘Roy’: is a Liverpool-born writer, spoken-word performer, and recovery worker. His debut collection, Algorithm Party (Rough Trade Books, 2020), was met with critical acclaim – it’s first print run sold out in just 40 minutes. He has appeared on BBC 6 Music and opened for The Beautiful South and The Farm. Through his candid exploration of Liverpool life, addiction, anxiety, and relationships, Roy continues to resonate with audiences, offering sharp, insightful perspectives on the complexities of life in Liverpool and beyond.
Amina Atiq is a Yemeni-Scouse poet, performance artist, and community activist. Recognized as one of the “100 Inspirational Women of Merseyside,” she has been featured by the BBC and TEDx. Her work addresses themes like diaspora and Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, aiming to amplify marginalized voices through poetry, documentaries, and community engagement. She has published extensively in platforms such as Cordite Poetry Review.
Blue Saint (Daniel Sebuyange) is a Congolese British rapper, singer-songwriter, spoken-word poet, and activist. A former member of Writing on the Wall’s Liverpool Young Writers, he has performed alongside artists like Ed Sheeran and Akala. His EP series, Enter Mynd, received support from outlets such as GetIntoThis and Bido Lito! Magazine. He is also the founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, promoting grassroots music in Liverpool.
Sam Millne & the Virants are a dynamic band known for their energetic performances and genre-blending sound. Fronted by singer-songwriter Sam Millne, their music ranges from upbeat indie rock to introspective, lyrically rich tracks. Hailing from Cumbria and Liverpool, Millne brings a storytelling approach to songwriting, with breakout songs like Living in Limbo and Italy gaining attention. Beyond music, Millne is a journalist and founder of MerseyMusic.co.uk, supporting grassroots artists in the region. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for electrifying live shows, Sam Millne & the Virants continue to make waves in the UK music scene.