Lock Off is back! Join us for a one-of-a-kind event, by young people for young people.

Mentored by industry pros, our talented young minds are taking charge, curating, booking, and presenting an epic night of MOBO music.

This year's event sees a huge lineup connecting genres and bringing artists from across the UK, including emerging artists coming out of Wales. 

Gardna

Our headliner for the evening, Bristol MC and host extraordinaire, Gardna, has been a staple part of the UK scene for the last few years and has steadily built up a solid reputation for bringing the good vibes, among both his fans and his musical peers. He also commands a strong stage presence at his incendiary live shows, inviting the audience into his world of late nights and big bad sounds. His performances always deliver and has been experienced across all the UK and internationally in top venues and festivals such as; Boomtown, Outlook, Glastonbury, Shambala and Tokyo Dub Festival to name a few. 

Paul Stephan

Paul Stephan is one of the most exciting prospects currently in the scene. He channels grime energy, garage, jungle and breakbeat through his music, with some of the most refreshing production in the UK rap scene. Hailing from Thamesmead, South East London, Paul has used his life experiences to create sonics of freedom & liberty and refuses to play by the books. He sold out his debut London headline show in 2022, and his music has been featured numerous times on BBC 1Xtra & Kiss FM.

Jayahadadream

Winner of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition 2024 and no stranger to Cardiff, having performed numerous times across the city, Jamaican-Irish rapper JayaHadADream is known for her introspective and gritty style, heavily influenced by grime and a range of hip hop. Her distinctive sound combines raw storytelling with emotive performances, captivating audiences in intimate venues and festivals alike. Through visual storytelling, she pushes artistic boundaries while staying true to her roots, creating a unique and compelling sound.

Kima Otung

Kima Otung is an exciting Welsh-Nigerian Pop/R&B artist, highlighted by her showcase at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a “Best of British” representative for UK music. Her live sets on prominent platforms like BBC Radio 1 and appearances at venues like the VIP Stage at Wembley Stadium and The Ballroom at The O2 Arena, have fortified her reputation as a captivating live performer.

Benny Flowz

One of the most profilic MCs in South Wales, Benny Flowz is comfortable on any rhythm, any beat, any time. Having taken part in the BBC'S THE RAP GAME, becoming Wales's first ever representitive on the TV show, Benny has followed that with multiple releases, across multiple genres. He brings the energy to every performance and this one will be no different. 

Jessika Kay

Jessika Kay is a multi-genre artist from Cardiff, Wales. Mainly focusing on Rnb and Neo-Soul, she uses her soulful and ethereal vocals and lyrics to connect with people all over the world. Beginning her journey in 2023, Jessika Kay has already proven herself as an apt performer with a lot of personality.