On March 29, Teenage Cancer Trust joined forces with SBTV and Academy Music Group, in association with Boohoo, to host RISE at London’s O2 Academy Islington.
The gig, in aid of the only UK charity dedicated to supporting young people aged 13-24 with cancer, was headlined by Vanessa White who wowed the audience with tracks from her newly released EP Chapter One.
Vanessa performed ‘Relationship Goals’, ‘Nostalgia’, ‘Lipstick Kisses’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Lover’ from her EP. She also performed Bryson Tiller’s ‘Exchange’ mixed with KP & Envyi’s 90’s hit ‘Swing My Way’, where she was joined by the hot east London rapper and poet Kojey Radical.
Hot on the heels of her highly praised debut solo show at Cargo earlier this month, Vanessa’s performance at RISE builds on the huge waves she has already created around her recent solo tracks. These include the slick and soulful cut ‘Lipstick Kisses’ ft Wretch 32, which this month was one of Julie Adenuga’s #BigThree tracks on her popular Beats 1 show and ‘Track of the Week’ on Amplify Dot’s 1xtra show. She has garnered an incredible reaction from music fans and outlets such as i-D, Wonderland, Clash, RWD and The Line of Best Fit, helping her to attract close to a million streams for her solo tracks and visuals since the end of last year.
Vanessa wasn’t the only exciting rising star to perform on the night. Other performers included Mic Righteous, Zak Abel, Joel Baker, Mikill Pane and more, as well as a surprise performance from Big Narstie.
Of the night, Head of Partnership Fundraising at Teenage Cancer Trust, Tom Marshall said: “Music is at the heart of Teenage Cancer Trust and the young people we support. We’re so grateful for the long-standing support of our partners SBTV, Boohoo and Academy Music Group, who have provided a brilliant platform for up-and-coming artists and helped showcase some of the UK’s best new music. RISE will take us a step closer to being able to support every young person with cancer who needs us.”
Not only was RISE a successful night in terms of showcasing emerging talent, but it also raised much needed funds and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust. For more information on the charity and ways to get involved, please visit their website.