Following a busy 2024, championing the likes of Callum Beattie, Rhianne Downey, Kyle Falconer and ILI, Riverside Music TV are back with their latest instalment featuring Hip-Hop artist BEMZ. Collaborating with up-and-coming artist Jasper Hodges, BEMZ brings his boundary-pushing artistry to the forefront with in-session performances of tracks DND’ and ‘Zidane’.

BEMZ talks about his move from London to Scotland, explaining his sense of place in the music scene and the world. The acoustic-driven, passionate delivery of the brand new number ‘DND’ is preceded by a deeper explanation, the need for peace and mental space. The opportunity to dive into ‘Zidane’ is taken by Bemz, explaining the track before another stellar performance.

Born in Nigeria before moving to London at a young age, BEMZ was merely a teenager when stepping foot on Scottish soil. Finding his voice in an unlikely Scottish town, BEMZ’s artistic journey started in Stranraer. Navigating his education with a heavy dose of creativity on the side, he studied Sound Production before moving to Glasgow. Debuting in 2020, he released his album ‘Saint of Lost Causes’ to critical acclaim and a nomination for Scottish Album of The Year.

“A lot of people would look at me and not call me a Scottish rapper, because I don’t have an accent, I wasn’t born here, I don’t look Scottish. Despite this, I’m still representing Stranraer because that's where I started my journey - that’s who I am.”

Turning heads in the industry, his creative open-mindedness has seen him expand his musical palette whilst working on some exciting ventures. 2024 has seen him work alongside The Snuts whilst sharing the stage with Example, Grandmaster Flash and making his TRNSMT festival debut to a buzzing crowd in the summer. Giving back to the diverse local scene, BEMZ founded M4 festival - a one-day celebration championing hip-hop, rap, grime, R&B, acoustic and afro beat.