In this special festive edition of Red Light Busking, we returned to our roots — transforming everyday shopfronts into live stages — and this time, we set the stage in one of Waltham Forest’s cultural gems: Exceline Restaurant. Run by the incredible mother-son duo, Patrick and his mum, Exceline is a home for authentic Ugandan and East African cuisine — known across London (and beyond) for its welcoming vibe and legendary food. Even music royalty like Akon has pulled up for a plate. To match the richness of the space, we invited two artists whose sound brings soul and sophistication: Zamar, an East African upright bass player and producer, and Lizmnk, a jazz vocalist with timeless depth. Their rendition of Belle Baker’s classic “Good Morning Heartache” is pure jazz magic — intimate, soulful, and deeply respectful to the roots of the genre. With Zamar on double bass and Lizmnk’s velvet vocals, this performance is a masterclass in control, tone, and chemistry. Part of our Red Light Busking Festivity Series – where music meets local culture, and the high street becomes the stage. Let us know your thoughts on this performance — and if you've ever eaten at Exceline, tell us your favourite dish! Exceline Restaurant – 529 High Rd Leytonstone, London E11 4PB Ugandan & East African Cuisine Huge love to Patrick & his mum for letting us into their beautiful space 🎟️ For upcoming events & community sessions: 👉 https://www.redlightbusking.com/event #jazz #jazzmusic

To find out details on our next free event visit https://www.redlightbusking.com/event Backed once again by Ivanmore on guitar, Rage re-delivers Duppy Maker with a stripped-down intensity that cuts straight to the bone. No beats to hide behind. Just bars, breath, and raw energy.

For our final performance in this acoustic grime series, Rage delivers his most powerful and reflective track yet — Political Music. In this stripped-back performance, he questions the entire political system — from false promises by MPs, to the back-and-forth of Labour vs. Conservative — and asks the hard question: what’s really changing for communities like his? With Ivanmore on guitar and vocals, the song takes on another level of soul — turning political frustration into something deeply human and emotional. ⚠️ Parental Advisory – this one gets real. Nothing censored, nothing sugarcoated. This is protest in motion. Grime meets soul. Politics meets poetry. What do you think needs to change in your area? Has anything actually shifted where you're from? Be part of the ongoing conversation with us at:Red Light Busking presents Kanda Vol.1 – Bedroom Shut Music UpAn exhibition exploring African Caribbean experiences and music in early 2000s Waltham Forest — the era that shaped Rage’s music and message. https://www.redlightbusking.com/event-details/red-light-busking-presents-kanda-vol-1-bedroom-shut-music-up Sign up for future events (most are free): https://www.redlightbusking.com/event Big thanks to Host of Leyton for supporting honest, necessary art.

We switch gears for this third session. In 2015, Duppy Maker (War Dub) dropped in the middle of a heated era of grime clashes — when MCs were at their sharpest, testing each other bar for bar. It was a time when the mic was a battlefield, and this track was Rage’s warning shot. Now, we’re revisiting that moment! Backed once again by Ivanmore on guitar, Rage re-delivers Duppy Maker with a stripped-down intensity that cuts straight to the bone. No beats to hide behind. Just bars, breath, and raw energy. ⚠️ Parental Advisory – strong lyrics, strong intent. This one goes in. This performance reminds us why grime isn’t just music — it’s expression, survival, and lyrical warfare. Whether you were tuned into the clash era or you’re hearing this for the first time, you’ll feel the power in every line. Hit the comments: Who remembers the clash era? Which war dubs stood out to you? Catch future Red Light Busking events https://www.redlightbusking.com/event Don’t miss our upcoming exhibition: KANDA Vol.1 – Bedroom Shut Music Up Exploring African Caribbean life and sound in early 2000s Waltham Forest — including the roots of grime and the stories behind it. https://www.redlightbusking.com/event-details/red-light-busking-presents-kanda-vol-1-bedroom-shut-music-up 🙏 Thanks again to Host of Leyton for the space and support.