BLK SCL! Spotlight: Belfast with Leo Miyagee

I'd like to see artists recognised while they're building, not just once they've achieved global success.

Belfast's Black music scene may be one of the UK's smallest, but don't mistake its size for its impact. According to Leo Miyagee, it's a community built on collaboration, resilience and people creating opportunities where few previously existed.

This week for BLK SCL!, we're heading to Belfast with artist, producer and cultural voice Leo Miyagee. Through his music, Leo explores identity, belonging and the lived experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland, while championing the people and spaces helping Black music flourish across the city. His perspective offers a powerful reminder that thriving scenes aren't defined by scale, but by the communities determined to build them.

BS!: How would you describe the Black music scene in your city to someone who's never experienced it before?

I'd describe it as small but vibrant.

Because Belfast isn't one of the UK's bigger cities, people often underestimate what's happening here. There's a real mix of artists, DJs, promoters and community organisers creating opportunities for themselves and others.

There's a strong sense of collaboration because people know they can't afford to work in silos. It's a scene that's still growing and finding its voice, but that's part of what makes it exciting.

BS!: What makes your city's Black music culture distinct from anywhere else in the UK?

It's the context.

Black music and culture exist within a city that's gone through its own unique history and challenges. People have had to be creative, resourceful and community-minded when building spaces and opportunities.

Because the Black population is relatively small, people know each other across different scenes and disciplines. That creates a strong sense of connection and mutual support that feels quite distinct.

BS!: Who or what laid the foundations for the scene you're part of today, and how do those influences still show up in the new music spaces being made now?

Artists like Jun Tzu, Elixir and 5th Element laid the foundations for Belfast's hip-hop scene at a time when there wasn't really a blueprint for making rap music here. They proved you didn't have to imitate another city, you could make music that reflected Belfast.

That confidence has carried through to artists like Liambo, Slice and Kneecap, each telling stories rooted in this place. Hip-hop is a global Black art form, but every city develops its own voice. I hope my generation continues building on that for the artists coming after us.

BS!: What Black tastemakers in your city should we know about?

People like Winnie Ama, Gemma Bradley, Jordan Adetunji, SkiiFuego and Kwame Daniels are all helping shape Black music and culture in Belfast in different ways.

Kaidi Tatham has also been an important influence on me personally through our collaboration, reminding me how valuable it is to honour Black musical traditions while continuing to push them forward.

I'd also recognise people like Siobhan Brown and the many people working behind the scenes. Tastemakers aren't just the people making music — they're the people creating opportunities, building platforms, connecting communities and making sure artists have somewhere to grow.

BS!: If you could change one thing to help Black music and culture thrive in your city over the next five years, what would it be?

I'd like to see more long-term investment in Black artists, Black-led organisations and Black cultural spaces.

There's a lot of appreciation for Black culture, but appreciation and investment aren't always the same thing. I'd like to see support that lasts beyond a single event, project or funding cycle.

I'd also love to see artists recognised while they're building, not just once they've achieved global success. When we invest in people early, celebrate them consistently and create opportunities for them to grow, we build a stronger and more sustainable music culture for everyone.

For more on Leo Miyagee: @leomiyagee

BLK SCL! is building a living map of Black music culture across the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — the scenes creating world-class work even without the resources they deserve.

If you're a Black music artist, organiser, tastemaker or community builder based in the North of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland (or you know someone we should be speaking to), let us know.