Rhythm & Poesy awards returning to recognise county's musicians and creatives
The annual Rhythm & Poesy awards return next month to champion some of the best musicians and creatives from across the county.
The event, back for the fourth time, will return to Black Diamond in Northampton and voting in its seven categories closed earlier this month.
Looking ahead to this year’s event, organiser Kas Aisagbonhi said: “Every year feels special, but this one feels earned. Rhythm & Poesy has always been about people bringing the town’s creatives, supporters and community into one room. Seeing familiar faces, new faces and watching connections happen in real time is always the best part.
“One of my favourite things is simply seeing Northampton show up for itself. Watching the town we love come together, enjoy the night and celebrate each other never gets old.”
Award categories this year include Artist Of The Year, Shay’s Breakthrough Artist Of The Year, Culture Innovator of The Year, DJ Of The Year, Videographer / Photographer Of The Year, Performer Of The Year and Digital Creative Of The Year.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Return to a Timeless Era’. Billed as a ‘90s and early 2000s themed black-tie event, there will also be a prize for best dressed.
Kas added: “Each year has had its own personality. The first edition was raw and emotional it proved there was real appetite for this kind of platform in Northampton.
“One of my strongest memories is planning that first edition at The Picturedrome. I remember going to view the venue with Aisosa and genuinely thinking, can we actually pull this off?”
After speaking to Great Adamz who agreed to perform, the inaugural event was a success and has continued to build since.
Kas was joined by friend Nnamdi who the team and the following year they introduced the award element.
Explaining the origin on Rhythm & Poesy, Kas said: “The town needed something new and fresh. Northampton has always had talent, but there weren’t enough spaces that truly celebrated creatives properly.
“The aim was never just to host an event. It was about recognition, confidence, and legacy. We want creatives to feel seen, valued, and encouraged to keep going.
“The MO has always been community first, quality always and culture with intention.”
This year, there will be live performances from acts including DC3, Alfie Castley, Nafi and Great Adamz.
Rhythm & Posey takes place on Saturday, March 7, at Black Diamond in Northampton. General admission costs £15 or £30 for admission and dinner. Booking fees apply
For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/rhythmpoesy
This year’s categories and nominees are:
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ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Alfie Castley
DC3
Great Adamz
Maddox Jones
Kelli Blanchett
Banke Naya
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SHAY’S BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Sharmaine Webster
Megaphoney
The Scenesters
Jhambiliki
HolyBones
Saphron
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CULTURE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Shoobz Ent
Murmur
Mixx Lab by The Lab
Aspire studios
Oculate
Northampton Camera Collective
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DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ Melvyn
DJ Olympia
DJ NC
Goddard
Tommy Philips
Carly Wilford
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VIDEOGRAPHER / PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Azim Renecide
Mike Musanu
Junee Pictures
Lab Ryt
Khandie
Captured By Three
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PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Great Adamz & The 99 Band
Afreine
Weirdoe
FFSYTHO
Banke Naya
Fountain
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DIGITAL CREATIVE OF THE YEAR
DC3
Douglas James Chu (IAM.JIMA)
Jamie Benkert (Moon World Travelz)
One Kind Creative
Musically Unorthodox
All Things Africa