Festival Square – Friday 7 July

As part of our Lunchtimes on the Square programme Untold Orchestra presents the gorgeous tones of violinist Simmy Singh, who you may know as co-founder of the classical music innovators Manchester Collective.

Steel drummer ZOLATEC performs live with her unique blend of traditional and modern sounds, before The Two Stubborn Nigerians bring a live version of their knockout podcast to the Square. Known for their deep, funny and insightful commentary into Hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Drill and all music of Black Origin, expect the best in new music recommendations.

Manchester’s own hip-hop collective Motto Estate then kick off the party – the nine-strong outfit take the stage before Brighter Sound present electronic duo GOMID who bring their shapeshifting, Afrofuturist sound.

Blending traditional Zulu music modern acapella and pop, expect vibrant and upbeat numbers from South Africa’s The Joy. Their live set is followed by a huge Piano in the City takeover from the Afro-Mancunian collective. Curated by Manchester’s own artist, DJ and producer extraordinaire Chunky, expect DJ sets from Artist Lebo, Masted Ced, Kwexi, Ms Dee, Terrie T, G2, Joe Shams, Toots, Soweto Boy and live PAs from 0710, EBII, Sho Sho and Squad 9, all hosted by Malume Nez.