Be United has announced two nights of live music featuring some of the most exciting Black artists emerging in Scotland. Taking place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August at Leith Arches, One Love Nation will celebrate exceptional Scotland-based African and Caribbean talent and give them a much-needed platform at the Fringe. 

Acts announced for Thursday's slot is Eyve (pictured above), a genre-fluid artist blending Afropop, rap, jazz, electropop, electronica and ballroom. Her rollercoaster-ride of an EP Sista! Beyond The Sky Isn’t The Limit earned her the number 79 slot on our Hot 100 list last year, as well as a nod in the Best Hip Hop category of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. She’ll be joined by the Malawian-born singer-songwriter Luhangah, who became a key figure in the Malawian music scene for his blend of reggae and Afro-rhythmic sounds, and founded the bands Souls Of The Ghetto and Body, Mind & Soul. 

The second night shows will welcome Edinburgh-based Sean Focus, whose music draws on afro-pop, dancehall, and hip hop, and has been featured on BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Apple Music Radio, and BBC Introducing. Renowned for his electric live sets, Sean describes his shows as ‘Energy. Energy. Energy. And sweat.’ More acts are set to be confirmed as the gigs draw nearer. 

The shows are supported by Creative Scotland through the Multi-Year Funding Programme and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which also contributes to Be United's work.

Be United’s creative director Collin Hills said: ‘This year promises to be our best Fringe show yet. We are going to transform Leith into a lush tropical experience, complete with music, food and ambience. I would encourage everybody to come to the shows and feel the love.'

One Love Nation, Leith Arches, Edinburgh, Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August; main picture: Papajgun Photography.