DJ Mak 10 has long reigned as a grassroots kingpin of the UK grime scene, most recently carrying the flame (and al fresco decks) for young rappers across the country. The former Nasty Crew DJ, who regularly invites local artists to join him, is known for his street-side sets in incongruous locations. This February, he will be returning to the Sussex coast in the good company of AudioActive, a pioneering not-for-profit that has been shaping the future of youth music since the heady days of 1999. Spotlighting an extensive roster of established and emerging artists including Heartless Crew’s very own Mighty Moe, and legendary artist and producer Maxwell D, the cypher promises to be a hotbed of lyrical mastery and sonic pleasure for all to witness.
DJ Mak 10 is a central figure in the UK grime scene, and is well respected for bringing the sound of the streets to life through his livestreamed DJ sets broadcast across social media. Whether he’s playing at a petrol station in Cornwall or a football stadium in Sheffield, Mak 10’s spontaneity is earning him a loyal following – he now has over 50k followers on Instagram. His cypher in Crawley’s bandstand last December in partnership with AudioActive was a huge success, attracting more than 25,000 viewers online and drawing attention from grime legends like Skepta, Chip, and LinkUp TV. This follow-up event in Brighton is likely to reach even further.
AudioActive, headquartered in Sussex, has become an integral part of the local music scene and beyond, nurturing young people’s creative and personal development through a series of ongoing programmes and campaigns. The organisation has a proven track record of supporting stars before they hit the mainstream, with alumni like Rizzle Kicks, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Arrdee, amongst others, all having roots in AudioActive. The focus is on providing opportunities for young people, particularly those from underrepresented areas, who may not have access to traditional music development services, where the bias is often levelled at London as a primary cultural hub, overlooking the regional talent that resides outside of the big smoke.
The cypher takes place on Thursday, February 6th at the Fortune of War in Brighton. Entry is free, and the livestream will also be available for those who can’t make it in person. No ticket is required, but under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Fortune of War, Thursday 6th February 2025
