**NOW CLOSED**
HUGE THANKS TO ALL ENTRANTS, PRODUCERS & PARTNERS – WATCH OUT FOR THE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS!
We’re back for another yearly instalment of Novembars. For those who’ve missed out previously, Wordplay run a competition every November where a selection of stellar producers throw some heavyweight beats our way for you folks to make your own – rappers, singers and songwriters alike. From the countless entries we receive, we (in collaboration with the producers) then have the unenviable task of choosing the winners. Last year’s competition blew us away in terms of talent and originality; let’s see if you can top it this time around!
• STUDIO CREDIT AT THE INCREDIBLE PIRATE STUDIOS.
• A COPY OF ABLETON LIVE ALONG WITH 1-2-1 TUITION SESSIONS.
• COVERAGE THROUGHOUT WORDPLAY’S SOCIALS & SITE.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
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RECORD ONE MINUTE OF YOU WORKING YOUR MAGIC.
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THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS 26th NOVEMBER AND WE CAN’T ACCEPT LATE ENTRIES, SORRY!
World-class DJ, producer, radio titan, and celebrated author – DJ Semtex wears many hats. To fans, he is a trusted authority, to peers, he is a creative force advancing the culture.
He first cut his teeth as a DJ in his hometown, Manchester. In the years since, he has become one of the premier DJs in hip hop, touring, opening, and performing onstage with the likes of Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Rick Ross, Travis Scott, Dave, Skepta, Migos, and Dizzee Rascal.
Producing and releasing his own music under his label Seminal Sound. With recent work featuring Vic Mensa, Backroad Gee, Kwesi Arthur, and Afro B. Semtex is constantly inspired by the crowds he plays for to craft tracks that could shut down any show.
On-air, he made his mark as a thought-provoking interviewer, turning his 15-year-strong slot on BBC 1Xtra and then a show on Capital Xtra into must-visits for artists. Anchored by an impulse to share hip-hop’s story, as a radio personality he is known to coax unusual realness out of closed-off megastars like Kanye West, Drake, Jay-Z, and Eminem.
A dedicated, knowledgeable hip-hop head, DJ Semtex certified himself as one of the most potent voices in the scene when he penned the pioneering book, 2016’s Hip Hop Raised Me. Then, in 2020, he turned the critically-lauded memoir-cum-definitive history into his own interview series, the Hip Hop Raised Me Podcast.
And with more international collaborations and creative moments in the pipeline, DJ Semtex continues pushing the culture forward.
Introducing Likkle Jay, a talented music producer and Grammy-Nominated engineer hailing from the vibrant roots of East London. From a young age, she discovered her passion for music as she immersed herself in the world of beats, honing her skills and crafting her unique sonic signature. Known for her work with artists like Capella Grey, Ling Hussle, and more; Likkle Jay is quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Ghosttown is one of UK Rap’s finest producers, most well known as one third of Dead Players alongside Jam Baxter and Dabbla. Ghosttown brings up tempo bouncy beats perfect for these MCs to tear up the dance! This is the first time we’ve been joined by a High Focus signed producer, let’s see what you’ve got…
Introducing NikNak, a multi-disciplinary artist and creative with many areas of the UK industry at her finger tips. As a DJ she became the first black turntablist in history to win the illustrious Oran Award in 2020, pushing boundaries and testing what a turntable is capable of. As a producer she leaves no stone unturned experimenting with Dub, Soul, Jazz, Breaks, Hip Hop, and Jungle. We can’t wait to see what you do with these.
Singer, songwriter, pianist, producer and visual creator - JOIISOL embodies artistry and tackles every element. Refusing to be tied down by genre JOIISOL is a creator, taking influence but never settling with the likes of Neo Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, Garage, RnB, and she does so with style. We’re honored to have her join Novembars this year supplying two beats for you to lace!
Co-founder of Coldframe Records and Little Leaf Recordings, Norwich-based Producer/Artist Lieu has gained commercial success producing songs for many household names such as Porsche, Bosch, and Forbes, amongst others
Lieu prides himself on working with local artists and trying to develop their sound whilst also working with bigger names in hip hop. He was named as one of BBC Introducing's artists to watch in 2023
Meet Freya Roy. One of our favourite entries to Novembars last year and someone we’ve been fans of for a long time. A multi talented musician who is known for not just production but singing, backing vocals, instrumentation and her own self produced EP - For Who I Have Become, which came out last year. Freya’s work with Maya Law sets her apart from other Neo Soul producers, mixing Nu Jazz, Electronica & Hip Hop there is an unmatched depth to her music. We can’t wait to see what you cook up.
Winners will be notified ASAP after competition deadline (November 26th).
– Team Wordplay
Novembars 2023 competition terms & conditions can be found here.