Earlier this week the MOBO team went to the first anniversary of Small Green Shoots – a company that helps creative ideas turn into fully functioning high caliber ventures. SGS has enabled a diverse range of urban and up-and-coming artists and projects bloom, helping the likes of Kof, The XX, Low Key, Sway, Ghetts, Devlin, Griminal and MOBO favourite Akala.

Their one year anniversary saw a horde of music industry ballers descend upon Kings Place to sip champagne, drink mojitos and chow down on the canapés and bespoke cup cakes.

Once the speeches were out the way (courtesy of Feargal Sharkey, head of UK Music, Ellis Rich, Chairman of PRS for Music and Small Green Shoots CEO Natalie Wade) guests were treated to a selection of wicked live performances.

The performers for the night were Urban Soul Orchestra, who were then joined on stage by smooth vocalist Mo Brandis, and the Rhyme and Poetry (RAP) project, all of whom have benefitted from the assistance of Small Green Shoots.

Urban Soul Orchestra, a contemporary string ensemble, played their original composition ‘Fools Theme’ – a crossover track with a distinctly house flavour. The fusion of classical music and urban proved to be popular amongst the audience, expertly blending the graceful elements of strings with upbeat percussion to create a thoroughly modern take on classical music.

Mo Brandis, a soul singer with an amazing voice (and some funky facial expressions to match) took to the keys for the Urban Soul Orchestra’s second track, whilst delivering some spine tingling vocals.

 (Left to right: Ajax Scott, Ferdy Unger-Hamilton, Natalie Wade, Ellis Rich) 

Finally the Rhyme and Poetry (RAP) Project gave as good as they got with their mix of poetry, beat boxing and rap. The project is a venture that focuses on young people from 3 Camden community centres, helping them to gain qualifications in English Literature. Emerging UK hip hop maverick Low Key champions the participants, who, accompanied by Marvel the Beatbox write and recite their stories. The RAP boys took the house down, impressing everyone in the room with their lyrical abilities.

Up-and-coming DJ Josh James spun the decks all evening, an emergent figure on the scene Josh James refuses to play anything other than UK music – proving that British really is best!

Overall the night was a huge success and an excellent insight into how a small start-up company can have such a positive effect on so many.