Eleven young artists shortlisted from over 50 applicants will debut original music at a live industry showcase in Wolverhampton this March, spotlighting the next generation of South Asian music talent
Playback Creates, a bold new not-for-profit platform championing South Asian creativity and opening pathways into the creative industries, is marking a major milestone with the launch of its flagship music development programme, Homegrown, culminating in a live showcase on Thursday 12 March. The cohort includes singers, rappers and musicians working across a striking range of genres: Punjabi rap and contemporary Punjabi vocals, pop, R&B and neo-soul, Indian classical music, rock and heavy metal. The group reflects a strong gender balance and a breadth of musical identity rarely seen within a single development programme.
Established to address the long-standing lack of culturally informed development opportunities for South Asian creatives, Playback Creates exists to build a stronger, more representative talent pipeline for the UK’s creative industries, rooted in access, visibility and meaningful community support.
The exclusive live showcase on Thursday 12 March, marking both the public debut of the Homegrown cohort and a major moment in the launch of Playback Creates. Hosted at Vaal & Vaal, the evening will see the cohort perform their newly created music live in front of invited industry guests, media, leading creatives and cultural stakeholders.
The showcase offers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of emerging South Asian talent in the region, meet the artists behind the work, and connect with the mentors and partners shaping the programme. It will also introduce the vision of Playback Creates as a new cultural force dedicated to developing talent, celebrating culture and creating pathways into the creative industries.
“Welcoming and onboarding our first Homegrown cohort has been incredibly powerful. This is an ambitious, fearless group of young creatives spanning hip hop, pop, R&B, Punjabi, Indian classical, rock and heavy metal.
Over six weeks they are gaining real studio experience, professional guidance and mentorship from industry figures who understand both the creative and cultural contexts they’re working within.
The live showcase on 12 March at Vaal & Vaal will be a defining moment- not only for the artists performing, but for Playback Creates itself. It’s about visibility, opportunity and showing what’s possible when talent is properly supported. And this is only the beginning.”
- Dr Harpreet Jandu (PBN), Founder & Artistic Director
Homegrown is supported by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with Punch Records and APS Studio. Five industry mentors, each bringing specialist expertise across performance, production and music business, are supporting the cohort throughout the programme.
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ABOUT PLAYBACK CREATES
A start-up not-for-profit organisation based in Wolverhampton, dedicated to providing opportunities for young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities to access training, mentorship, and development within the creative industries. Rooted in community, heritage and innovation, Playback supports artists through projects spanning music, performance and digital content.
The organisation is led by internationally recognised, multi-award-winning artist and producer Dr Harpreet Jandu (PBN), supported by an expert team of producers, mentors and programme leads. Building on Harpreet’s extensive legacy within the South Asian music industry, Playback Creates fosters a space where emerging talent can honour their heritage, elevate their craft and create groundbreaking new music.
