Did you know I used to host a two-hour specialist show on Brighton’s Juice FM? Each week, I featured female-fronted bands from the ’90s to the present day. I loved playing cool tracks and sharing my top tips that listeners loved. But my obsession with music started way earlier.
When I was 10, I spent my pocket money on 7″ singles. My old school friends still talk about me playing Michael Jackson at the primary school disco. By 16, I was doing work experience at Kiss FM in London. Back at my sixth form college, I had a lunchtime slot on the college radio.
But it was my live Saturday morning show on the indie station Phoenix FM in Essex, that started something real. I called it Rehab after Amy’s song. Sometimes I covered for my husband Chris’s show – which meant 4 hours of live radio, juggling bands coming in for sessions, taking listener calls and playing tunes – it was hectic but such great experience!
Seeing live bands has always been my happy place, so here are my top four female/non-binary acts you should check out now:
🎵 Lime Garden – Resident Music’s Album of the Year! This Brighton-based indie pop band has lots of attitude and plenty of ear worms.
🎵 Ibibio Sound Machine – A unique blend of West African funk, disco, and electronic beats. Their high-energy performances will leave you breathless.
🎵 Moonchild Sanelly – This South African artist blends gqom, pop, and Afro-punk. Her pure charisma and originality make her one to watch. She’s going to be massive.
🎵 Paige Kennedy – A rising star in the alt-pop scene, their raw lyrics and soulful vocals are hilarious and captivating. Find their videos online.
Life is short. If you’ve stopped buying records or going to gigs, this is your sign: go dance, sing, and reconnect with what makes you feel alive.
Want to chat about music, art, or rediscovering the passions you’ve left behind? Book a free clarity call with me today. Let’s talk about what sets your soul on fire. Love Rifa x
