The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – get ready for Roukaya B to bring the ‘Heat’.
Salford soulstress Roukaya B needs no introduction, but we’re giving her one anyway, as you might not be aware of her sheer musical power.
Self-proclaimed “soul enlightener” and ‘Manchester’s Queen of Soul’, this artist has been uploading music to streaming platforms since 2022.
Rou doesn’t conform to one genre; instead, she deliberately fuses them, blending R’n’B, soul, rap, afrobeats and even jazz to create some of the freshest sounds.
Now, Roukaya B sits down with Audio North after discovering her ‘Artist of the Month’ title to discuss exciting projects, personal stories and her artistry.
ADVERTISEMENT
An interview with Roukaya – Audio North’s Artist of the Month
What has your journey in music looked like so far? My journey has been quite hectic, but in the best way. I’m a singer-songwriter and all-around creative, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and what my voice can do. I’ve developed my writing and ability to perform on stage, throwing myself into collaborations too.
I’m constantly evolving just like the music I’m putting out.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Singer, writer, rapper, dancer, actress, drama queen, you can’t compete here” – We couldn’t put it any better ourselves.
Where did you grow up, and what music were you listening to? I was raised in Salford, and music for me was very different as I come from a multicultural background. My Dad is Algerian, my Mum is Jamaican-English; they met in the South and settled up North [great choice] to have a family.
I grew up on a lot of ‘raï’ music – a North African genre with really cool drum patterns, reggae and 90s hip hop. My Mum loved that soul tune, ‘I Believe in Miracles’ by Hot Chocolate, and my Dad absolutely loved M People, especially Heather Small; they made some iconic classic anthems.
I was raised on lots of different genres, and I think that’s showcased in my music today.
ADVERTISEMENT
When did you realise singing was something you wanted to pursue? I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer from a really young age. It’s what I said I’d do in primary school, it’s what I wanted to do in high school, and I did it in college.
Salford singer-songwriter Roukaya B claims our inaugural ‘Artist of the Month’ title (Credit: Audio North)
When I was growing up, it wasn’t accessible to the younger generation to see it as a viable career, so I was sort of teased and laughed at for it, so I never really dived into it. I could sing, and I studied music in high school, but I missed my opportunity on YouTube when it was fresh.
It was only after college that I decided to post covers to my Instagram, where people engaged, and it was cool for people to find and discover me. So I did college again as a music student, and the rest is history. All of this has become a part of my musical journey, and everything happens for a reason.
How did you come to this realisation? In short, the realisation was that I wasn’t focusing on my inner drive and trust me, it wasn’t just calling me, it was essentially shouting at me: ‘Hi, babes. Use your voice, whether it’s spoken, whether it’s singing, just use it. This is a healing tool and healing force.’
What is your ultimate dream as an artist?
ADVERTISEMENT
I want to do a ‘Tiny Desk Concert’ or ‘COLORS’ show, and I’d love to make music with Sasha Keable – if you’re reading this, Rouyaka B wants to collab, haha!
Being true to myself and remaining authentic as I progress in my career is part of that dream. I don’t want to bang out a tune every single month; I want to make sure my work is always consistent. Being a genuine artist is my ultimate dream.
Are there any fellow up-and-coming artists you’re listening to?
Remée, or ‘That Remée Girl’, as she goes by on socials. She’s a Liverpool-based alt-grunge act and let me tell you… She. Is. COOL. There are some festival dates lined up, so if you get the chance, go see her.
This Manc creative champions the city wherever she can. (Credit: Liam Heeley)
What’s next for you in terms of your music career?
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s a handful of live shows coming up, and they’re going to be very experimental. I also have a collection of work coming out in the future, which I can’t say too much about just yet.
There’s even a youth music project which I’m really, really, really excited about. So much is coming!
It was a pleasure chatting with Rou, and we have every faith that big things are coming for her in 2026 and beyond.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied via Liam Heeley)
Audio
Kendal Calling turns 21 in fine form with a brilliant bunch of headliners – and that was just the start…
Danny Jones
Oh, what a long weekend we had at Kendal Calling 2026, our fourth consecutive visit to the beloved festival proclaimed as ‘the favourite’ by many across the North West, and forever ‘the best’ if you hail from in and around Cumbria.
Now 21 editions into its run, the Penrith party down in Lowther Deer Park has gone from being a cult classic among natives in and around the Lake District a couple of decades ago, to one celebrated all over – and for good reason.
Apart from delivering stellar lineups year in, year out, it’s also one of the most family-friendly festivals you’ll ever come across.
But having said that, they still know how to kick a party into gear when the sun sets…
With The Kooks, The Cribs, Manchester up-and-comers Spangled, Oldham’s very own Tim Burgess, and many more opening up the party on Thursday night, they hit the ground running early doors.
Speaking of the turf, the wider arena was nice and dry this year, with punters only being treated to very short showery intervals, and most overnight.
Having the perfect conditions obviously helps, but we will say that Kendal Calling remains one of the brave few that powers in through regardless of the weather.
Nevertheless, we didn’t have to worry about it for KC2026, and maybe it’s just recency bias, but the entire festival site somehow looked prettier than ever, especially soaked in all that sun.
The dappled rays coming through trees over in the ‘Lost Eden’ definitely made the Woodlands stage as special as we’ve ever seen it – including those magical neon nights – and we even got to chat with Yorkshire lass Ellur ahead of her spellbinding set out in the forest.
Still surprising people more than two decades in
Lots caught us by surprise this year, such as Dutch indie pop group Son Mieux (our new obsession, by the way), as well as Fletchr Fletchr, who we now believe really need to be seen live to truly appreciate every aspect of their huge potential.
And then there was rising Sunderland star Tom A. Smith (again, over in the Woodlands), who joked he was “never there” after filling in on short notice at the same festival he first played when he was 12.
Fair to say he’s come some way since then, and you won’t find many more electric performers from this very confident, talented and still very young man.
But nothing more so than the surprise acoustic set starring the legendary Pete Doherty ahead of The Libertines’ main stage slot later that day, which we had to sprint across the fields to just about catch after hearing about. We had to climb up the side of a window to get the view of those that beat us there.
This year, we also thought we’d go around and ask those who know it best just what makes it so special, and more importantly, what keeps them coming back. Here’s what they had to say:
“I’ve been five times over 11 years. I’m Cumbrian-born but based in Manchester, so there’s always the pull to travel back home for it, and I’d definitely come more if I could. First memory that pops into mind is seeing The Vaccines when they were just getting big, and now over a decade on I got to see them on the main stage all these years and albums later – really full circle.
“One of the best parts about it is just how much there is on; back when I first started coming, they still were spotlighting local bands like Colt 45, but they just so happened to be on the same bill as Snoop Dog – and now I’ve seen everyone from Tom Jones and the Sugarhill Gang to The Darkness and now Biffy.
“Despite the festival growing in size and in terms of the acts that flock to it now, it still feels like one that looks after smaller names; it’s still got that wholesome, all-ages feel, and can be enjoyed for lots more than the music. I’ve definitely grown a new appreciation for everything it has to offer as I’ve gotten older.”
Nick, 32, from Dearham
The LathumsBiffy ClyroRed Rum ClubDeaf Havana, and SO many more…Credit: Audio North
We also asked another seasoned veteran of the annual summer fest how they’d sum it up in as few words as possible, to which they responded: “Nature, variety and (at times) questionable weather.”
Once again, we’ve definitely had wetter ones in the past – it is the North of England after all – but the music gods were smiling down on us all weekend long, and that extra dose of vitamin D definitely helped keep us going.
More personal highlights include closing headliners Wolf Alice, as well as Circa Waves and Groove Armada on the final night, as we somehow managed to catch a bit of all three, not to mention Deaf Havana, who drew their loyal crowd of passionate fans and gave us one of the best sets of the whole weekend.
And then, of course, there was ‘Biffy… F***ing… Clyroooo’. The Manc arm of the Audio North team were lucky enough to catch the Scottish gods at their huge headline gig at Co-op Live, but BOY did jumping around in a sea of people from all over as confetti, streamers, fireworks, and literal fire hit even harder.
With Kendal, Tramlines, Parklife, Beat-Herder, and Neighbourhood Weekender all under our belt already this year, we feel truly blessed to be in what is undoubtedly one of the best periods for live music festivals we’ve known; you can check out some of our other reviews down below.
Other than that, all we have left to say is thank you to Hanglands and the KC crew as always for having us along, and we’ll catch you in the fields the same time next year. Over and out.
A reimagined dance music celebration is coming to Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Get ready to hear some of the biggest anthems in dance music, reimagined and given an orchestral transformation right here in Manchester city centre.
Powerhouse music business Ministry of Sound has been uplifting and promoting dance music through its varied and electric live events for over three decades.
Now, it’s putting an all-new take on all your favourite dancefloor fillers that have been released over the past 30 years with a 31-piece orchestra, a whole team of vocalists and a stacked setlist.
Expect to hear the likes of Fatboy Slim with his huge tune ‘Right Here, Right Now’ alongside Darude’s standout hit ‘Sandstorm’, as performed by a live orchestral arrangement and light production.
After receiving a great reception at major music settings like Gone Wild, The Big Feastival and Silverstone Festival, paired with a sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall, this all-new live show now visits the music capital of the North.
Of course, it’s only fitting that Manchester gets the chance to experience this innovative twist on classics and anthems, considering the city’s vibrant club contributions like the Madchester scene and legendary music institution the Hacienda.
Now, dance, house and trance spanning the past 30 years come together courtesy of the Ministry of Sound Classical, playing out across UK locations like Brighton, Newcastle and Birmingham, as well as Manchester.
The show is playing out at city-centre gig hotspot O2 Apollo, and is about to teach 3,500 Mancunians dance music history through a dance-meets-orchestra concert like no other.
This live music extravaganza is organised and led by dance music pioneers Ministry of Sound, who developed and defined the 1990s house music scene in London and across the country.
Ministry of Sound Classical is heading to O2 Apollo in Manchester on Friday 18 December with tickets and more information available HERE.
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied via Ministry of Sound)
Thomas Melia -
18th February 2026 
