Jazz infused Soul singer and Kirklees Most wanted alumni Hannah Rowe is the headline act for the April Sonar Sessions. Likened to Raye, Lianne La Havas, Moonchild and Yebba Hannah is joined by a group of highly accomplished musicians who happen to be her adored closest friends! @hannahr0we
Catch this intimate stripped back performance on April 26th at The Watershed, Slaithwaite.
Also featured on the Kirklees Most Wanted playlist for their first year Slo Blome who be providing Support via Banjo, cello, and guitar reimagine folk with fearless invention. Rooted in tradition yet unbound by it, their sound soars on the strength of powerful vocals telling exciting fables, supported by restless folk spirit. @slo.blome
The Parish in Huddersfield, known for its intimate, energetic atmosphere, was the perfect crucible for the sonic fireworks delivered by Ibibio Sound Machine on Friday night. It was an evening that started in soulful reflection and exploded into a joyous, sweat-drenched dance party, proving once again that the best nights out are those where the walls feel like they’re breathing along with the crowd.
Support: Hannah Rowe—A Local Star Shines Bright
Leeds based and Kirklees Most Wanted alumni Hannah Rowe set the bar high, proving exactly why she’s generating so much buzz. Trading the massive festival stages for the confines of The Parish, Rowe’s powerful, soulful voice filled every corner of the room. Drawing heavily on her jazz and soul influences, she delivered tracks like the reflective “Bellevue” and the massive “Waistcoat” with an emotional depth that belied the venue’s small size. Performing with a scaled down outfit from her normal 10-piece band they managed to create a sophisticated, layered soundscape that was both rich and intimate, providing a perfect, locally-sourced dose of warmth before the main event.
Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine
When Ibibio Sound Machine took the stage, the vibe shifted instantly. Led by the magnetic Nigerian-British vocalist Eno Williams, the eight-piece group immediately plunged the packed room into a mesmerizing blend of West African highlife, post-punk electronica, and pure 80s synth-funk.
Williams is an unstoppable force of nature, narrating in the Ibibio language (often translated in real-time through her movements and sheer energy) while commanding the stage. The band’s setlist, featuring fan favourites like “Electricity,” “The Chant (Iquo Isang),” and the hypnotic “Protection From Evil,” was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Each song was a vibrant, polyrhythmic workout, driven by the relentless, propulsive basslines and the swirling, retro synthesizers that give the band its distinctive electronic edge.
The Parish’s relatively small 300-capacity room amplified the intensity; there was no room to stand still. By the time the band launched into the irresistible call-and-response of “Fire Fire Fire, Higher Higher Higher” the floor was a unified mass, hands in the air, echoing the sheer joy radiating from the stage.
The Huddersfield crowd’s embrace of the band’s global sound was a testament to the universal language of rhythm. Ibibio Sound Machine didn’t just play a gig; they curated a transcendental experience that lifted the spirits and left everyone feeling like they’d just participated in something primal and necessary. An unforgettable show, cemented by the raw energy that only a venue like The Parish can provide.
Get ready for an explosive night of music as London’s sensational electronic afro-funk collective, Ibibio Sound Machine, prepare to tear the roof off The Parish in Huddersfield on Friday, November 7, 2025. Adding a massive dose of local pride to the bill, they will be supported by Kirklees’ own rising star, Hannah Rowe. Having cultivated a powerful, soulful, and jazz-infused sound with her seven-piece band, Hannah is no stranger to the local scene—she’s a successful participant in the Kirklees Most Wanted project and recently thrilled crowds at the KMW Showcase and the WRXL After party at amped. Don’t miss this chance to see one of the region’s most exciting talents open for a global powerhouse!
The Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine 💥 Ibibio Sound Machine is led by the magnetic Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, whose lyrics are often drawn from her mother’s folk tales and told in the Ibibio language of Nigeria. Their sound is an irresistible mash-up: a clash of electronic elements with the golden era of West African funk and disco.
The eight-piece band has garnered international acclaim for their exhilarating live shows, building a reputation across major festivals like Glastonbury and WOMAD. Their latest material, following the success of albums like Electricity, promises a blend of raw energy and powerful synth-funk grooves that will transform The Parish into a sweat-soaked, all-night dance club. Prepare for an infectious performance that is as rhythmically complex as it is joyously danceable.
The Support: Hannah Rowe (Kirklees Most Wanted) 🎤 Opening the evening is the sensational Hannah Rowe, a local vocalist from the Leeds/Huddersfield area who has quickly become a standout on the UK’s independent music scene. Backed by her trio rather than her usual mighty 7-piece band, this is your change to catch Hannah delivering a more stripped down set of a sophisticated blend of R&B, Soul, and Jazz, drawing comparisons to artists like Raye and Cleo Sol.
Her recent appearances, including a knockout set at the Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase and the high-energy WRXL After party at amped, have firmly cemented her status as one-to-watch. Her voice is described as “timeless,” and her band’s captivating passion is palpable. This performance at The Parish is a fantastic opportunity to see a truly homegrown talent step up to a major support slot and showcase the powerful, authentic music she has been refining right here in Kirklees.
Event Details What: Ibibio Sound Machine with special guest Hannah Rowe Where: The Parish, Huddersfield When: Friday, 7 November 2025 Time: Doors at 20:00
Tickets: General admission tickets are available for £27.50 (plus booking fee). Check The Parish website or major ticketing agents like See Tickets to secure your spot! (Note: This event is 14+ with an adult companion required for 14-17 year olds).
Hannah Rowe is an upcoming jazz vocalist based in West Yorkshire. After selling out a multitude of local venues and a summer full of festivals, her 10-piece band of close friends are now celebrating their recent EP with a new single called ‘Bellevue’. It’s a bittersweet, beautiful song which takes the listener on a journey of hesitant growth after friendship break-ups and growing apart. Rowe’s soulful sound and lyricism guide us through being young and learning to live, nostalgia and embracing the nature of change.
‘Bellevue’ starts with some enchanting, fingerpicked guitar and it’s only a few seconds before Hannah’s vocals flow into the song like water. A simply paced bassline then brings more reliant rhythm into the first verse and a lack of percussion at this point produces calm ambience with emphasis on the emotional vocals. From the beginning, this track is an obvious musical masterclass because we’re constantly being introduced to new instrumentation. So much energetic innovation is packed into this 3-minute song, yet it still upholds a sense of settled tranquillity. The chorus is vulnerable, intimate and is soon built with a swelling brass section and backing vocals which completely transform the song into its own alluring scene which still re-enforces that classic lounge jazz sound.
Hannah Rowe is a singer and songwriter from Barnsley. She has recently graduated from Leeds Conservatoire where she met her fellow band mates. Hannah and the band are going from strength to strength performing at esteemed venues such as The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, Brudenell Social Club and Band On The Wall. She has also performed at festivals such as Tramlines, Truck Festival and Y Not Festival. Thin Line is a playful song about the transition from friends to lovers and the magic involved in crossing that line. This is a jazz infused, soulful track with heartfelt and original lyrics. Rowe has a smooth, velvety, dreamy voice which she commands at will, executing flawless riffs and runs and scaling the high notes with prowess. Her range is excellent and her vocal acrobatics are impeccable. The tight rhythm section complete with funky keys and bass make this a lethal track. Lashings of saxophone and gorgeous backing vocals are the icing on the cake of this beautiful, jazzy song.
The secret is officially out! We at Kirklees Most Wanted are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been handed the aux cord for one of the biggest dates on the local calendar.
That’s right—we are officially playing a part in curating the live music lineup for the massive Yorkshire Day celebration returning to Oakwell Hall this summer!
We’re all about shining a spotlight on the absolute best homegrown talent our region has to offer, and we have gone all out for 2026. Trust us when we say: this lineup of artists is officially set to be their most exciting yet! We have helped put together a diverse, high-energy, and soulful mix of local heavyweights that perfectly capture the unstoppable creative spirit of Kirklees.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music featuring:
Al’s Django Party: Get ready for an infectious, high-energy atmosphere that will have the whole crowd moving and grooving.
Hannah Rowe: A phenomenal talent who never fails to captivate a crowd with her contemporary Jazz sound. Get ready for some brilliant vocal work and stunning tracks like Bellevue and Thin Line.
Brad Mack: Bringing a powerful, soulful presence to the stage, Brad will be delivering local favorites like Not In Love and I’m Gonna Leave.
Hebble: Ready to deliver those beautiful, deeply resonant folk tones that belong on a Yorkshire stage. (Make sure to look out for their track With You!)
Penny: Taking the stage with her own full band to deliver an incredible dreamy bedroom pop perfect for the summer vibes—a must-see set packed with funk, soul rhythm, and energy.
Isaac Malibu: Bringing his own band to the grounds to serve up exceptional RnB vibes and the perfect summer sounds.
Also featuring on the day performing will be acts like Hardeep Sahota, Land Lubbers, Flat Cap Brass, Sarah Sax, The Crescendos, Land Lubbers, Chi Chi Fit, and The Fire Band.
Double the Festivities, Completely Free!
A Quick Heads-Up: We know the official Yorkshire Day is on Saturday, 1st August. But let’s be honest—Yorkshire talent is just too grand to fit into a single day. The celebrations are taking over the whole weekend, making it a proper, full-scale community affair!
Best of all? The entire event is free to attend and completely family-friendly.
Alongside the incredible live music we’ve lined up, you can expect a bustling Yorkshire Makers Market packed with brilliant independent traders, hands-on children’s activities and workshops, and a mouth-watering selection of local food and drink.
We are incredibly proud of the artists representing our community on this lineup, and we can’t wait to see you all down in the crowd cheering them on.
Clear your diaries, tell your friends, and get ready for a proper Yorkshire weekend. In the meantime, you can dive into the incredible sounds of our region’s best artists by checking out the Kirklees Most Wanted Playlist;
Keep your eyes peeled for full stage timings and schedule announcements coming soon!
The Wilson’s Republic WRXL event, which celebrated a decade of fostering creative community with the theme of ‘Routes,’ culminated in an absolutely electrifying private afterparty at Amped in Huddersfield.
Seamlessly transitioning the day’s inspiration into a night of community and celebration, the party was curated by us, transforming the venue into a powerful showcase for local talent. Attendees were treated to a diverse and gripping line-up that kept the energy high well into the night. Highlights included the beautiful, honest songwriting of Good Good Blood, the alluring and soulful sounds of vocalist Hannah Rowe, and the complex, yet highly danceable, Psychedelic Rock fusion of Don Gonzo. The celebration reached its peak with Therealdemo, a staple of the West Yorkshire scene, spinning classic and new Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop that kept the floor moving.
Take a look at the Highlights from the event below;
More than just a concert, the afterparty was the perfect, vibrant finale—a powerful demonstration of the collective spirit of the Northern creative scene and a truly triumphant way to cap off Wilson’s Republic’s 10th-anniversary celebration.
Additionally take a look at the highlights from the day event at Bates Mill featuring six speakers from different creative disciplines, they delivered heard honest, inspiring and beautiful interpretations of the event theme ROUTES.
Missed WRXL? Don’t worry – we’ve got the soundtrack. A little gift from us to you.
If you couldn’t make it (or just want to relive the event), we’ve got an official WRXL playlist – featuring the incredible artists who brought the afterparty to life.
Plug in, press play and keep the WRXL energy going 🎧
Their theme is ROUTES. In a creative career, there is no one ‘golden path’. Routes will explore the pivots, twists and turns that shape creative careers.
