A bold anthem marking one year since the UK riots
British-Indian rapper Koza released Switch Places Remix on Friday 8th August, a powerful reimagining of his track that confronts racism, identity and society in modern Britain.
The release comes exactly one year since a wave of far-right riots swept through several towns in the UK — including Koza’s hometown of Hartlepool, where ugly violence disgraced the streets. For Koza, this isn’t just music. It’s a refusal to let these events be swept under the carpet.
"I refuse to live my life in intimidation and fear and I’m grateful to know so many people that - I want to send a message to the “thugs” that people living in unity will never back down.”" - Koza
The track features hard-hitting lyricism layered over an Indian-fusion drill instrumental, true to Koza’s style, while the striking music video blends performance with real footage from last year’s riots — a jarring visual reminder of the anger and pain many communities continue to carry.
Known for his fierce lyrical delivery and fearless social commentary, Koza continues to use his platform to bridge cultures, challenge perceptions, and inspire urgent conversations.
Artist bio:
Koza is a British-Indian artist from North-East England, whose musical journey began with drums and percussion. As a teenager in Hartlepool, he absorbed a melting pot of influences — from orchestral compositions at school and indie covers with friends, to Bollywood films at home and secret grime sessions on his sibling’s iPod. This wide musical exposure shaped a sound that blends raw lyricism with cultural duality.
