Bradford in West Yorkshire is the home to profound creatives and outstanding entrepreneurs, making a difference to the creative world every single day and making an impact that grows gracefully beyond boundaries.

This week , we explore the world of a few Bradford based Black performing artists making the City Proud.

These talented artists are just a few of many Black Musicians and artists in Bradford making a huge difference to the music scene around the world.

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER, DO SEND THEIR DETAILS TO afripoet@gmail.com and we will promote them on our next music spotlight next month

SINEAD CAMPBELL

Bradford’s Sinead Campbell is a singer-songwriter, creative producer and Music Instigator with Bradford Producing Hub. She supports the music scene within the district, curates music events and runs Bradford Buskival. 

She is a soul singer who delivers smooth RnB basslines & propulsive rhythms. She seeks to inspire confidence in others and stands for connectedness. She has shared the stage with the likes of Basement Jaxx, Aswad and Arrested development, has support from BBC Introducing amongst others and is just getting started. 

RDC SOLDIER

Soldia Nzokomba God Mc RDC Soldier the king of Lingala Rap by his real name Selemani Mwinyi Est The creator of Lingala Hip Hop, in 2007 RDC SOLDIER won one of the rap music competitions, the trophy which was awarded by Simon Cowell, one of the great successful English producer

Rdc has also supported several international artists including The Game, 50 cent, Nas, Akon, Nelly, Tyga, Rick Cross, Wiz Kid, Davido, Awilo and Sean Paul during their performance in large sales in England, one of the most Biggest achievement to date was Supporting Rapper Nelly on 5th June 2016 at 02 Academy in Leeds, selling over 2500 tickets and delivering a professional and engaging performance to the audience. DRC also supported 50 Cent on November 6, 2016 At Manchester Arena One of England’s most prestigious venues

DRC also supports the talents of the community by strengthening the acquisition of social and civic skills among young people and also emerging artists.

At the beginning of the year 2021 DRC releases the title Unity with a message intended for all Africans and the whole world

Nicknamed the king of Lingala Rap, Rdc Soldia is known for his love for Congolese rap and he is also considered the creator and one of the pillars of Rap in Lingala

THE BRADFORD BASED KING OF LINGALA RAP CONTINUES TO EMBRACE NEW LEGACIES OF THE WORLD STAGE OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SOME AMAZING COLLABROATIONS

TOPE DADA

Temitope Joseph Dada known mononymously as Tope Dada (born June 28) He is a graduate of Peace Studies from the University of Bradford, UK and Psychology graduate of University of Ibadan. 

He is Music Artist, Co-Founder at the Temitope Tomiwa Dada Foundation, Author of FEEL MORE FULFILLED AS A PARENT, Music Director, CEO at Dreads Media .

Husband to Tomiwa Dada and Proud dad to three wonderful kids.

Tope Dada began his music career in 2000 at Rhema Chapel and started recording in 2008 under the name Tee Dreads with the release of Adara. He has since released 3 studio albums, have staged 10 live concerts till date, written over 100 songs and also the Author of FEEL MORE FULFILLED AS A PARENT and others.

HIT TRACKS:

2024, Jehovah Jireh

2024, Better

2023, I am blessed 

2023, Jehovah Jireh (Live) 

2023, Igwe (King) 

2023, Oba ni o (Great Jehovah) 

2022, The Best of Tope Dada 

2021, Oba to gaju 

2021, Jehovah Reign

2020, Miracle Working God 

2018, Jehovah too much

2016, Clap n Dance

2016, Yahweh

2016, Prayer 

2015, We are the future 

2014, Almighty God

2014, Iwo loba

2013, Live your dream

2012, Forever

2011, Adara (Change)

INSTRUMENTS 

Voice and Piano

AWARDS: 

2023, Author of Excellence UK Award 2022, Gospel Icon 

2022 Award 

2017, Best Blogger Award 

2014, Gospel Artist, Award of Excellence, 2014, Music Coordinator, Award of Excellence, 

2013, Music Coordinator, Special Contribution Award, 

2007, Epaphroditus Award 

His music are available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, 

Books are available on Amazon, ResearchGate, Academia etc 

Website 

www.topedada.com

WALE AROY – NEO 21

Wale Aroy (Neo 21) is a rising talent in the world of music and content creation, merging his unique sound with an engaging digital presence. Based in Bradford, Neo 21 is deeply invested in the regional Arts and Culture sector working in the Production Team at Bradford 2025, while hosting a popular biweekly Afrobeats show on Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) Radio, called Gbedu Blvd. With a musical style rooted in Afrobeats, HipHop, and Melodic Rap, Neo 21’s sound is a captivating blend of smooth melodies and sharp lyricism. Drawing inspiration from industry icons like Wizkid, Kendrick Lamar, and Gunna, Neo 21 delivers music that is both relatable and aspirational. His songs are crafted to inspire, with messages of hope, growth, and resilience—perfect for fans who seek meaningful, yet catchy tracks.

ANNABEL JOSEPH-OJOBOH

Annabel Ejiroghene Joseph-Ojoboh is a Nigerian classical and pop music singer currently living in the UK. Born on February 28, 1997, Annabel has showcased her talent at various events and concerts in both Nigeria and the UK, including performances at the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) and at the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Poetry Fund-raising Event.

Annabel has been a member of several renowned choral groups in Nigeria, such as the Benin Choral Society and Philharmonic of Nigeria, Bel Canto Chorale (BCC), Starz Ensemble Nigeria, and The Harmonic Ensemble Nigeria (THEN). With the Starz Ensemble, she was part of the choir that won the award for Choir of the Year at the 2023 Nigerian Choral Music Awards. Annabel has also done numerous solo performances with The Harmonic Ensemble Nigeria.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Annabel is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Bradford.

She maintains a healthy balance between her professional, academic, and family life, as she is a devoted wife to Mr. Joseph Ojoboh.

Outside of her work and studies, Annabel enjoys a variety of music genres, watching movies, travelling, and cooking. She is a well-rounded individual who has found success in both her artistic and academic endeavors.

TEEBEN

Teeben is a pioneering musician who is pushing boundaries and reshaping the African and Afrobeat music genres. Teeben has carved out a unique place for himself in the industry with his contagious rhythms, soul-stirring melodies, and a profound awareness of the cultural traditions that underpin his music.