As the final bank holiday of May approaches, Broke Magazine is preparing for an exuberant celebration of music and culture right in the heart of Peckham. GALA Festival 2023 is set to surpass the success of last year’s sold-out event, promising an even grander experience.
With a proud embrace of its independent spirit, this festival continues to champion diversity within the dance music community. Its impressive lineup encompasses a wide range of genres, including house, disco, jazz, techno, jungle, and afrobeat.
GALA Festival holds a strong commitment to showcasing the talent of female DJs, and this year is no exception. Throughout the entire weekend, these fierce women will take charge of the decks, commanding the attention of the crowd. Broke Magazine proudly presents a selection of eight outstanding female DJs and artists who are set to make their mark at GALA 2023.
George Riley, the talented songstress from Shepherd’s Bush, is making waves in the music scene. Known for her unique and forward-thinking approach to soul music, she effortlessly blends various genres like jazz, R&B, trip-hop, and electronica into her mesmerizing soundscapes.
With a distinctive tone that resonates with her surroundings, George weaves intricate stories inspired by underrepresented cultures. Her music serves as a powerful platform for sharing essential messages, subtly intertwining them into her ever-growing discography. With each release, she continues to captivate listeners, creating a body of work that is both artistically innovative and socially significant.
Hailing from Manchester, DJ Tarzsa is renowned for her captivating musical style, characterized by warm and soulful selections that radiate irresistible, sunshine-filled energy. As an NTS resident, she consistently delivers infectious vibes, and her latest offering is no exception.
Tarzsa always treats us to a delightful blend of uplifting house, buoyant electro, and soulful melodies infused with jazzy undertones. Get ready to be swept away by Tarzsa’s enchanting soundscapes and dance to the uplifting beats she has in store for us.
South-east London continues to demonstrate its position as a breeding ground for exceptional musical talent, and one name that stands out is the remarkable SE selectress, OK Williams. With a devoted following of her radio shows on platforms like Balamii, Netil, and NTS, where she also contributes behind the scenes, her sets never fail to ignite the energy in the room.
OK Williams effortlessly blends an eclectic range of genres, from electrifying electro and boundary-pushing deconstructed club experiments to pulsating bass, garage, and the infectious rhythms of jungle. Her seamless transitions and impeccable track selection keep the audience captivated, ensuring a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Keep an eye out for her sets, as she continues to push boundaries and deliver electrifying performances that will leave you craving more.
After dedicating over 15 years to record collecting, Saoirse has undeniably cemented her place as a highly esteemed figure in the electronic music community. Starting out as a DJ and now venturing into production, she exudes a commanding presence over her sound, a product of her extensive and diverse musical journey.
Saoirse’s genuine passion and comfort with a wide range of genres allow her to effortlessly blend sounds together, showcasing a remarkable ability to seamlessly navigate through different musical landscapes with both ease and style.
Her talent has garnered recognition across continents, from the UK to Europe, Asia, and the USA. With her expansive and diverse record collection and her penchant for genre-bending, Saoirse has been sought after for a multitude of events spanning various scenes. Expect to be taken on a sonic journey as she skillfully intertwines dub, house, jazz, electro, garage, techno, ambient, breaks, and even surprises, all infused with her signature mixing style characterized by unpredictability and cheekiness, fueled by an undeniable passion and creativity.
In a remarkably short period, London-based artist Tash LC has established herself as a multi-talented DJ, host, label owner, and presenter, leaving an indelible mark on both radio and club platforms.
Tash feels right at home on the airwaves, currently holding a residency on the esteemed London-based radio station NTS. Her past residencies include Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and a longstanding show on Worldwide FM. Through these platforms, she effortlessly balances highly accessible afro-jazz and highlife broadcasts with dynamic blends of up-tempo genres such as Kuduro, Gqom, and esoteric club sounds.
With the support of influential institutions within the dance music industry and an innate ability to captivate any dance floor, Tash has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the UK. Her rise to prominence is marked by an effortless command over her craft, making her a force to be reckoned with and a truly remarkable artist.
NAYANA IZ (IZ deriving from ’Nayana’ meaning ‘Eyes’ in Hindi) is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and rapper based in London.
Not only is Nayana a successful solo artist, gaining millions of streams on singles such us “TNT” and “GROWING PAINS”, she is also main collaborator for NiNE8’s NO SMOKE VOL 1 and features across NO SMOKE VOL 2. NAYANA IZ additionally runs a monthly radio show on BALAMII called “MIXED FEELINGS”.
GALA presents Heléna Star, a captivating DJ and presenter whose rise to prominence in the music scene is nothing short of exhilarating. With a penchant for House and Techno, Star effortlessly blends the raw energy derived from the genres’ origins with soulful, bubbling basslines sourced from all corners of the world.
Her larger-than-life persona permeates every aspect of her craft, leaving a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to experience her performances. Whether she’s enchanting audiences in London, captivating crowds at renowned international venues and festivals, or gracing the airwaves with her irresistible beats on her weekly residency at Foundation FM, Star continuously shares her deep love for dance music.
Meet Biig Piig, a truly unique artist within the realm of modern pop, who has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and experimentation. Coming of age during a time of exploration and introspection, she has left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Bursting onto the scene as a teenager with her breakout track ‘Vice City,’ Biig Piig has since delved into a diverse range of genres and narratives, effortlessly capturing the essence of youth culture in her songs. With a trilogy of self-produced EPs under her belt, she fearlessly navigates between musical styles, weaving captivating tales that resonate with authenticity and raw emotion. Biig Piig is a true visionary, redefining the boundaries of contemporary pop and leaving an enduring impact on listeners worldwide.
GALA Festival 2023 is renowned for its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and this year’s edition is no exception. Showcasing an impressive lineup of artists from various backgrounds, genders, and identities, the festival ensures a welcoming and representative atmosphere for all attendees. Embracing Peckham’s longstanding reputation as a cultural hotspot in London, GALA Festival 2023 continues the tradition of celebrating the vibrant music scene, rich cultural heritage, and diverse community of this vibrant neighbourhood.
As the countdown to the festival begins, Broke eagerly anticipates the joyous gathering and looks forward to seeing you there.