LEGACY: From Pirate Radio to Symphony Hall!

On Saturday 12th April, history was made in the heart of Birmingham. The city’s Symphony Hall, usually home to classical concerts and orchestral elegance, opened its doors to something entirely different - a full-blown celebration of Birmingham’s Grime and Rap legacy, reimagined with a live orchestra, in partnership with Punch Records, the CBSO, and a cast of some of the city’s most celebrated artists.

This monumental moment wasn’t just a concert. It was a cultural reset - an electrifying, emotional, and at times spiritual experience that captured the evolution of a scene that began on pirate radio stations and youth club freestyles. The ‘LEGACY’ concert followed the launch of the documentary and book in 2023, bringing that same story to life in spectacular form, and reminding everyone that Birmingham’s voice has always been loud - now, it’s just amplified through strings, brass, and a complete orchestra.

Photography by. @jdshotyou

The night began with a clip of the documentary, voiced by Big Mikee, whose words echoed through the auditorium, narrating the journey the scene has been on for the last 20 years It set the tone. Then entered Roxxxan, commanding the stage with raw passion and skippy lyricism - a reminder that 0121 has always had its own pace, its own sound, its own energy. The night continued with Lady Leshurr, a powerhouse performer who added even more magic with a live orchestral backing. She brought out Vader, and for anyone familiar with the Invasion Alert era, this was a special moment. That legacy continued with NODB - Deadly, Fiasqo, and Fist - reminding us exactly why they their crew is still held in such high regard.

Sox stepped up with the energy and confidence that’s made him a key figure in Birmingham’s grime scene. His anthem 'Birmingham 2 Ibiza' lit up the room, sparking a crowd-wide singalong that embodied the city’s spirit.

Following on, Dapz On The Map brought a shift in tone — known for his layered artistry, he stepped onto the stage with presence and purpose. Backed by the orchestra, 'Murdah' hit different, adding depth and emotion to a track already rooted in introspection.

Photography by. @jdshotyou

C4, a certified legend in the city, followed with 'Off Track' — proof that great music truly is timeless. The recreation of SX’s ‘Woo Riddim’ with the CBSO was nothing short of genius. Then came Trilla Jermaine Trilloski, storming the stage with his trademark "0121" bar, joined by Pressure and Bomma B’s son for a moving tribute that brought several generations together.

The tempo shifted with Big Dog Yogo, who brought a different flavour to the Grime that had led the show so far, before calling back the crew for a heartfelt homage to his family, Bomma B, one of Brum’s greats who sadly passed away in 2023. As the energy settled into reflection, the stage welcomed its next generation: Trappy, CreezOn, and T Roadz, three MCs proving that Birmingham’s pipeline of talent is as strong as ever.

It was powerful seeing Trappy and T Roadz on that stage - a full circle moment almost a decade on from a CGuk grime set at Silk City Radio that a 13 year old T Roadz shut down alongside Trappy & AshOnCam with DJ Kingpin on decks.

With Creezon, Trappy and T Roadz flying the flag for the new gen, the crowed were blessed with a powerful moment that saw Birmingham legend Mayhem NODB join them with his trademark bars and flows.

Photography by. @jdshotyou

Then came a powerful pause in the set — a heartfelt tribute to the late Depzman. A message from his mother echoed through the hall, setting the tone for an emotional moment. T Roadz took to the stage to perform Life Cut Short — a posthumous track that used technology to bring Depzman’s voice back to the forefront. Together, they delivered a poignant anti-knife crime message that resonated deeply, carrying through the auditorium with weight, purpose, and grace.

Brixx brought a fresh vibe with her trademark dancehall style, offering a different tempo that still felt completely rooted in Birmingham. And then, the finale - Jaykae, entering to the roar of 'Moscow', before sending the hall into a frenzy with Toothache. It was the only way the night could’ve ended - an artist that embodies the city’s present, closing a show built on the power of its past.

The Legacy concert wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about respect. It was about platforming voices - new and old. It was about showing how far Birmingham’s scene has come, and how bright its future remains.

From pirate stations to one of the most prestigious venues in the country, the message was loud and clear: Birmingham never needed permission — just the stage. And now? We’re here.