Prior to the upcoming Gifted N Blk event at Windsor’s iconic Other Space Arts CIC, we caught an interview with organiser and host Faith, to find out more about the inspiration for the shows, the booking process for artists, the ideas behind it, the venue choices, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Faith – great to connect with you! For those who don’t know, what first inspired you to create the Gifted N Blk live shows?
You’re welcome – and thank you so much for having me!
Yeah, so GIFTED N BLK really came from a personal place. Living in a small town, I noticed there just weren’t any spaces that celebrated or even represented people who looked like me.
“As someone who’s lived outside of London for many years, I often found myself questioning why we rarely see Black people or people of colour at local events or in creative spaces. And eventually, it clicked — those spaces simply don’t exist in many of our towns.”
So I created GIFTED N BLK to change that. It’s about building community, creating platforms that showcase our talents, and making space where we’ve historically been left out.
What can audiences expect from the upcoming show at Other Space Arts CIC?
Audiences can expect a really warm, welcoming vibe at the upcoming show at Other Space Arts CIC. It’s a small, intimate venue, which creates the perfect atmosphere for people to really connect with the performers and each other. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, seen, and able to just enjoy themselves. It’s going to be a night full of great energy, community, and, of course, amazing talent.
How did you connect with 705 and D.W. Harry, and what do these artists each bring to the space?
I connected with 705 through an artist platform after discovering his music on Spotify. As a huge fan of Afrobeats and highlife, I was instantly drawn to his sound — I just knew I had to get him involved. His music brings such a vibrant, energetic African vibe, and I’m really excited for the audience to experience that live.
As for D.W. Harry, she actually reached out to me on Instagram. When I heard her song “Young Girl,” it immediately resonated with me on a personal level. Her music is so heartfelt and honest, and I know her performance will really connect with the audience in a deep way. Both artists bring something completely different but equally powerful to the space, which is exactly what GIFTED N BLK is all about — celebrating the richness and range of Black talent.
How do you choose the right artists to represent and engage audiences at these events?
When choosing artists, the first thing I do is listen to their music and ask myself, “What message are they bringing?” For me, it’s not just about finding someone who can sing or play an instrument well — it’s about how they connect with people through their sound and storytelling.
“I look for artists who bring meaning, emotion, and authenticity to their work, because that’s what truly engages an audience and creates a memorable experience. It’s all about building real connections through music.”
Why this particular venue, and how important is it to support grass roots venues and indie artists right now?
Other Space Arts CIC is special because it gives creatives true freedom. They’re not trying to shape you into something you’re not; instead, they hand you the keys and say, “Make the night yours.” That kind of trust lets me craft an experience that feels authentic and welcoming for everyone who walks through the door.
Grass-roots venues like this are the future of live music and culture. People crave spaces where they can be themselves, discover something fresh, and actually connect with the artists onstage. Indie artists, in turn, need stages that will champion their voices — places where they can tell their stories to an audience that’s genuinely listening.
“When we support these venues, we’re essentially investing in the next wave of talent and in a more inclusive, community-driven scene. Ears are opening, and audiences are hungry for new sounds with a bit of edge; grassroots spaces are where that magic happens first.”
Are there many more events in the pipeline, or any plans to take the show further afield?
Yes, absolutely! I’ve got a few exciting music events lined up at Other Space Arts. On June 21st, we’ll be showcasing three incredible underground hip hop artists — Grimm Dreanurr, Anyway Tha God, and Lex Jones. Then on July 19th, we’re bringing together a powerful lineup featuring Laws, HarMonique, Kenei B, and Denzil. Each of these events will highlight different styles and voices, all rooted in raw talent and real storytelling.
I’m also looking ahead to expanding GIFTED N BLK even further. I’d love to collaborate with more people in the local community and take the show on the road, creating meaningful events in new towns and spaces. The goal is always the same — to uplift Black artists, connect people through music, and build spaces that reflect us.
Is there anything else we should know?
Yes — definitely follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop! You can find us at @gifted_n_blk and @otherspacearts. We’ve got so much more coming, and we’d love for you to be part of the journey!
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Catch the next Gifted N Blk event this coming May 17th, at Other Space Arts CIC, Kardelton House, Vansittart Estate, Windsor SL4 1SE – 8pm til 11pm. Find out more via the event page.
