Born in London but based here in Manchester, Yemi Bolatiwa is a compelling voice in the city’s neo-soul scene. Anyone who caught her outfit Pareidolia supporting Charenée Wade & The Gil Scott-Heron project at Band on the Wall in late 2016, will appreciate the rounded character of her voice and conviction in her performance. Recent months have seen Yemi pushing her solo work, with sessions for Word of Mouth and MCUK unplugged, plus a collab with deep house producer Diversion. Ahead of her stripped set—accompanied by a keyboardist and viola player—at Inner City Waves on Friday, we asked the rising singer-songwriter for a playlist of some favourite tunes and a little on her writing and arts work.
