Messages Through Music: Young Britain | Cambridge Union

This panel event took place in the Keynes Library at 7:30pm on Friday 24th November 2023. Renowned author Hans Christian Anderson once wrote that when words fail, music speaks. This could not be more true today, with music being an avenue for important social and cultural commentary. This panel brings together some of the most critically acclaimed voices of Young Britain to examine the place of music and songwriting in contemporary Britain, and what it means to be an artist. From Alfie Templeman to Hope Tala and ENNY, these young artists are both the present and future of the British music scene ............................................................................................................................ Thumbnail Photographer: Reva Croft ............................................................................................................................ PANELISTS: Alfie Templeman Since releasing his debut single 'Like An Animal' in 2018, 20 year old Alfie Templeman has cemented his position as one of the most exciting artists of his generation. Entirely self-taught, he plays no less than eleven instruments, writing or co-writing all his own material. With over 350 million streams worldwide, Alfie's global appeal is growing every day. Hope Tala British-Jamaican storyteller and artist Hope Tala was born and raised in West London and first made waves with self-produced Soundcloud releases, beginning with 'Peace Freestyle' in 2016. Two singles on her third EP Girl Eats Sun (2020) have been featured on Barack Obama's renowned playlists, with the former opening the Gossip Girl reboot. ENNY BBC Sound of 2022 singer and rapper ENNY is a soulful, truth-talking lyricist of Nigerian heritage (London born and raised). Since her 2020 breakout single Peng Black Girls, she's graced the biggest global playlist covers. 'Pollen' (Spotify), racked up over 100m streams across her catalogue, and continued to become a mainstay presence across BBC Radio where she reached A-List at 1Xtra and B-List at Radio 1. ............................................................................................................................ SUBSCRIBE for more speakers: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClOuePXlJnw8-br7SXiuHqg ............................................................................................................................ Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCambridgeUnion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeunion Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambridgeunion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-union-society