Other Isles I & II
2022 - ONGOINGCyprus and Malta, both two tiny islands in the Mediterranean, were quoted as being ‘the only European countries involved in the Commonwealth Games’ and it is this that inspired us to work on a project that would bring these two communities together.
Other Isles is a celebration of art and culture from the Cypriot and Maltese diaspora. The event showcases music, poetry and art made by artists connected to these two islands in the Mediterranean. It is an event that aims to give these artists a platform to share their voices but also an opportunity for the diaspora community to experience art they may recognise themselves in and an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and inspiration.
The project commissioned new works created by the artists, with some projects created through Cypriot artists collaborating with Maltese artists. Other Isles also works with the community through workshops and performance opportunities to co-create artworks with artists from the community.
Artists invloved in Other Isles 1
Metz Jnr - Live Band
Metz Jnr and his midlands-based six-piece powerhouse, bring only the tastiest grooves & thought-provoking lyricism, making a stand for self-love, unity and togetherness.
Launching an energetic performance of powerful, conscious & funky-reggae, fused with intelligent elements of jazz & soul, they create a distinguished formula that remedies a unique & true-to-Brummie sound that lifts your spirit and gets you on your feet.
Jamie Thrasivolou - Poetry / Spoken Word
Jamie Thrasivoulou is an awarding winning writer and the official Derby County Football Club Poet. His hard hitting poems drawn from the experience of working class British life and the bigger issues of racism, political control, drug addiction, class-division and identity. Adopting a polemical no-holds-barred approach to writing, the intensity of Jamie’s live shows have seen him forge a reputation as one of the most exciting poets in the UK.
REA / Gamze - Video piece of rap/spoken word with music by Gamze Şanlı
REA
Alternative rapper and activist Rachelle Deguara, well-known in Malta’s alternative music scene, with her songs often carrying strong messages related to her work as an environmental and social justice activist.
Gamze Şanlı
Filmmaker, theatre producer and practitioner experienced in documentary film, multidisciplinary projects and performance art. Gamze is a singer and instrumentalists who draws from tradition and her diaspora experience in her works
Eleftherios - Live Hip Hop
Rapper turned Maths Teacher. Maths Teacher turned rapper. Eleftherios, known to most as 'Left', released his first single Prevail in attempt to capture some of the boom bap influences he heard growing up. After freestyling to both Charlie Sloth and Lady Leshurr, Eleftherios is a rapper with a bright future
Andonis Trattos / Craig Rogerson - Video piece with live sound track by Craig Rogerson
Andonis is an editor known for feature films such as WOLF (Official Selection, Toronto Film Festival 2021) NOCTURNAL (Official Selection, London Film Festival 2019) CALM WITH HORSES (Nominated, Outstanding British Film of the Year, BAFTA Film Awards 2021, Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival 2019. Nominated, Sutherland Award, First Feature Competition, London Film Festival 2019
Craig Rogerson is a Maltese musician known for performing in the beautiful landscape of Malta and his work as a sound therapist. Playing percussion since the age of 14 Craig has performed all over the world. He splits his time between Malta and the UK
Joe Cook - Poet / musician
Joe Cook is a spoken word artist, musician and activist from Birmingham UK. Originally a lyricst for Birmingham reggae punk band Lobster. Joe delivers social commentary in lyrical rhythmic style. He has performed extensively across the UK in venues such as The South Bank Centre, The REP, Birmingham Town Hall, Midlands Arts Centre as well as performances for BBC 1xtra and BBC Arts. Joe facilitates poetry/rap,music and drumming workshops across the midlands working in schools, youth clubs, community centres and hostels
Metz Jnr - Live Band
Metz Jnr and his midlands-based six-piece powerhouse, bring only the tastiest grooves & thought-provoking lyricism, making a stand for self-love, unity and togetherness.
Launching an energetic performance of powerful, conscious & funky-reggae, fused with intelligent elements of jazz & soul, they create a distinguished formula that remedies a unique & true-to-Brummie sound that lifts your spirit and gets you on your feet.
Jamie Thrasivolou - Poetry / Spoken Word
Jamie Thrasivoulou is an awarding winning writer and the official Derby County Football Club Poet. His hard hitting poems drawn from the experience of working class British life and the bigger issues of racism, political control, drug addiction, class-division and identity. Adopting a polemical no-holds-barred approach to writing, the intensity of Jamie’s live shows have seen him forge a reputation as one of the most exciting poets in the UK.
REA / Gamze - Video piece of rap/spoken word with music by Gamze Şanlı
REA
Alternative rapper and activist Rachelle Deguara, well-known in Malta’s alternative music scene, with her songs often carrying strong messages related to her work as an environmental and social justice activist.
Gamze Şanlı
Filmmaker, theatre producer and practitioner experienced in documentary film, multidisciplinary projects and performance art. Gamze is a singer and instrumentalists who draws from tradition and her diaspora experience in her works
Eleftherios - Live Hip Hop
Rapper turned Maths Teacher. Maths Teacher turned rapper. Eleftherios, known to most as 'Left', released his first single Prevail in attempt to capture some of the boom bap influences he heard growing up. After freestyling to both Charlie Sloth and Lady Leshurr, Eleftherios is a rapper with a bright future
Andonis Trattos / Craig Rogerson - Video piece with live sound track by Craig Rogerson
Andonis is an editor known for feature films such as WOLF (Official Selection, Toronto Film Festival 2021) NOCTURNAL (Official Selection, London Film Festival 2019) CALM WITH HORSES (Nominated, Outstanding British Film of the Year, BAFTA Film Awards 2021, Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival 2019. Nominated, Sutherland Award, First Feature Competition, London Film Festival 2019
Craig Rogerson is a Maltese musician known for performing in the beautiful landscape of Malta and his work as a sound therapist. Playing percussion since the age of 14 Craig has performed all over the world. He splits his time between Malta and the UK
Joe Cook - Poet / musician
Joe Cook is a spoken word artist, musician and activist from Birmingham UK. Originally a lyricst for Birmingham reggae punk band Lobster. Joe delivers social commentary in lyrical rhythmic style. He has performed extensively across the UK in venues such as The South Bank Centre, The REP, Birmingham Town Hall, Midlands Arts Centre as well as performances for BBC 1xtra and BBC Arts. Joe facilitates poetry/rap,music and drumming workshops across the midlands working in schools, youth clubs, community centres and hostels
Written and performed by REA
Vocals: Gamze Sanli
Keys: Cahit Asova
Production: Joe Cook
Video: Chris Neophytou
Video: Andonis Trattos
Music: Craig Rogerson
Vocals: Gamze Sanli
Keys: Cahit Asova
Production: Joe Cook
Video: Chris Neophytou
Video: Andonis Trattos
Music: Craig Rogerson
