Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians to hit the British jazz scene in recent years whose musical influences are as broad as they are diverse. The Birmingham-raised Soweto still bases himself in the city.

In 2001 he established the Soweto Kinch Trio - with bassist Michael Olatuja and drummer Troy Miller - which supported Courtney Pine at the former Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Birmingham as well as performing at the Royal Festival Hall and Cheltenham International Jazz Festival. Soweto has also been involved with Tomorrows Warriors in 1999 and Gary Crosby's Jazz Jamaica All Stars.

In April 2003 his debut album was released on Dune Records, featuring the trio with the addition of guitarist Femi Temowo. He created a stunning album which brings together his love of jazz and hip-hop and its release launched Soweto on his career as a solo artist, winning a Mercury Music Prize for An Album Of The Year and earning him the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act. His profile in both the UK urban and jazz scenes continues to grow rapidly. In 2006 he supported US hip hop legend KRS-ONE and performed alongside the cream of UK urban music; Sway, Black Twang and Ty. Conversations With The Unseen

Most recently, Soweto has been influenced by baroque and early classical music due to an interest in the 17th and 18th century black population of Britain. He is keen to reconstruct the African and classical influences that this community had.

The Live Box at the Drum Arts Centre, giving local MCs and instrumentalists a chance to deliver their lyrics over the house band’s grooves, featuring national guest artists.