Champion of Scotland’s hip-hop scene Bemz has been crowned BBC Introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year. In a very special live event, Bemz - aka Nigerian-born, Glasgow-based Jubemi Iyiku - performed alongside three other incredible finalists (from a longlist of nearly 500 acts) before being awarded the coveted title by a panel of judges that included some of the most influential figures in music.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by BBC Introducing Scotland’s Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Shereen Cutkelvin, saw Bemz perform his 2021 single ‘26’, as well as an incredible cover of Joesef and Lloyle Carner’s track ‘I Wonder Why’. The show also featured live sets from fellow finalists Lizzie Reid, Vanives and Dictator, before judges: CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry; Twin Atlantic’s Sam McTrusty; The Snuts’ Callum Wilson; and BBC Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley, made their decision.

Speaking of his win Bemz said: “I’m so buzzing to - not only be affiliated with - but to have achieved the title of Act of the Year. To have walked away with a win is nothing less than amazing and it means so much to myself, my friends, my family and to everyone who has supported my music for the longest time. To be able to bring this home for the scene feels incredible. Thank you so much to the BBC, the judges and to everyone who has supported me in reaching such a brilliant achievement. Thank you.”

Bemz first began experimenting with his own sound at a young age. Soon, self-expression channelled through art and poetry blossomed into a love of rap music. Truth became Bemz’ biggest asset; delivering emotionally charged, often vulnerable, insights on life with raw and honest lyricism.

Since the release of his debut EP Saint of Lost Causes in 2020, Bemz has taken Scotland’s hip-hop scene by storm. Last year, he released his highly anticipated ep M4. Featuring stellar turns from Chef, Just Easy, Brandon, Washington and I.D, together with Bemz’ own effortless flow and uncompromised story-telling ability, Bemz secured himself as a figurehead for the Scottish scene, establishing the country as a bona fide hotbed for sheer hip-hop talent.

Being titled Scottish Act of the Year is yet another incredible milestone in Bemz’ unstoppable rise, fuelled by a lifelong dedication to rap and the scene he represents. This summer catch Bemz as he plays live at festivals and shows up and down the UK - see below for details.

Live dates:

Wed 6th April - Amplifi - The Queens Hall, Edinburgh- Sound of Young Scotland

Fri 22nd April - TTV - The Old Blue Last, London

Tue 26th April - TTV - The Louisiana, Bristol

Wed 27th April - TTV - The Castle Hotel

Sat 30th April - Optimo Queens Park, Glasgow

Fri 6th to Sun 8th May - Focus Wales

Wed 11th to Thu 12th May - The Great Escape Festival

Thu 19th May - King Tuts - Glasgow

Fri 20th May - Wide Days

Sat 4th June - Riverside Festival - Glasgow

Sat 9th July - TRNSMT Glasgow