We Are Rockstars, the residency that crashed onto the island on a crusade to push boundaries and diversify the Ibiza soundscape, has just broken through the barracks with an exclusive insight into what it’s carving up for 2016 at Ibiza Rocks Hotel.
Returning for its fifth year on Friday 3rd June with new icon of the urban and grime scene Stormzy who will takeover four shows, it’s geared up to be one of the most exciting residencies yet. He’s lined up to follow huge emerging talents who made their debut on the island including Annie Mac, Chase & Status, Rudimental and Dizzee Rascal. Stormzy himself was introduced last summer, the reaction was massive and so, he’s rightly getting the residency he deserves across 3rd June, 8th July, 5th August and 9th September.
If you know the urban scene, you’ll be aware of his position within it as he’s stacked up six-figure viewings from the Youtube upload of his WickedSkengman’ freestyles and the standout reaction to the independent freestyle release of single Shut Up. He’s responsible for igniting a new generation of UK rap and rallied support from his contemporaries and fellow We Are Rockstars artists including Wiley and Skepta. You might have caught a glimpse of the man billed as ‘the future’ on Later with Jools Holland or taking home the 2015 MOBO Awards gong for Best Male and Best Grime act.
This guy clearly means business and he’s set to showcase his staying power with a host of other artists who will join him at the helm of We Are Rockstars & Noisey Present #Merky. His first showdown will align Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s Charlie Sloth and BBC Sound of 2016 nominees WSTRN. His July date will see him joined by producer, Radio1 DJ and long-standing friend and champion of We Are Rockstars Toddla T, newly signed Black Butter Records rapper and MOBO Awards nominee J Hus. In August, it’s the turn of Mistajam who is one of the most trusted voices in the playground of breaking new music in the UK, and Big Narstie who is celebrating the success of his massive collab with Craid David on When the Bassline Drops. Toddla T will return to the white isle for Stormzy’s final September date alongside new talent Coco who has found himself in the enviable position of receiving a steady flow of critical acclaim and named as ‘one to watch in 2016’.
Man of this announcement moment, Stormzy, had this to say: "It’s gonna be good vibes, sick artists and some of the best UK talent. Hope to see you there."
You heard the man. Done deal, right? Tickets. Bought.
A host of further line-up additions to the We Are Rockstars line up are to made over the coming weeks, so stay vigilant.