Born and raised in New York, Kyami’s journey into music began at a young age, combining a passion for art, football and Taekwondo, where she achieved a 2nd-degree black belt.
Now based in Manchester she has captivated audiences with her alternative J-pop R ‘n’ B sound and her dynamic performances have graced international festivals and earned glowing praise from BBC 1Xtra and BBC Introducing on Radio 1.
Taking experiences from her childhood to travelling overseas, the music tells a relatable story in a fresh new way with self-reflective lyricism, soul-driven melodies and production influences from pop, R ‘n’ B, electronic and hip-hop. iamkyami is paving her own way and looking forward to her Rochdale debut.
iamkyami will join the festival line-up alongside indie rock giants Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners, Heather Small – the voice of M People, soul, pop and funk artist Toucan, ska band Madame Claude, local rock band Atlas and DJ Dave Sweetmore on Saturday, 10 August 2024.
On Sunday, 11 August 2024 there’s a new free afternoon of folk music produced by Sound Roots and funded by Arts Council England, headlined on the main stage by Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet, alongside party band Marvara, new Rochdale musical Peter’s Field featuring Sean Cooney, Eliza Carthy MBE, Sam Carter and another act to be announced.
Kicking off the weekend on Friday, 9 August 2024 will be a ‘Feel Good Fringe’ – a series of free un-ticketed indoor gigs at 10 venues across the town centre. More details on this and all the acts playing at indoor venues during the festival will be announced in July 2024.
For the first time, to cut single use plastic, all tickets include a reusable drink cup to be collected upon arrival at the festival site.
Rochdale Development Agency is working with Arts Council England and folk music charity Sound Roots to support local live music. The festival is funded by the council together with sponsorship from local businesses, including:
