GRRRL

An international super-group featuring women of colour from international conflict zones

GRRRL is a bespoke electronic music collaboration between independent, revolutionary women artists from around the world, coming together to tell their collective stories of life, conflict, inequality and change through music. They fuse together sounds of dark techno, ghetto bass, hip hop, dancehall, reggae, soul and electronica.

GRRRL is directed by Brazil’s Laima Leyton (Mixhell/Soulwax) and features an eclectic mix of influential artists including the Queen of Brazilian Dancehall Lei Di Dai; Zimbabwe’s Rap Queen AWA - African Women Arise; The Young Lioness Of Africa – Wiyaala; and DJ and percussionist from Caracas MABE, along with guest artists.

For bookings, please contact ruth@inplaceofwar.net

CONFLICT

Women of colour from conflict zones are amongst the most marginalised people in the world. From the gang war favelas of Brazil, to politically oppressed Zimbabwe and post-Apartheid South Africa – women in these conflicts are often limited to the home and a life without hope. They are often discriminated against in the name of religion and tradition, abused by men in the community and their voices are frequently silenced.

ACTION

In Place of War decided to address this lack of women’s voices and created GRRRL - an electronic music collaboration between revolutionary women from places of conflict expressing themselves on their terms, in their languages, with their stories. Together, these fierce influential artists have worked with Laima Leyton (Mixhell/ Soulwax) to create a music and touring project that powerfully tells their collective stories and demonstrates how artistic creativity can conquer conflict around the world.

RESULTS

GRRRL has involved forty women over two years, with performances across some of the biggest global festivals including closing the Commonwealth Games in Australia. They have performed to over half a million people. An album has been released and the artists have developed a huge media profile across platforms including the BBC, Vice and Noisey, to tell their stories and inspire women in areas of conflict around the world.

ACHIEVEMENTS

GRRRL have performed across the world - winning the Best Act at Shambala Festival for two consecutive years; closing the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018; and at institutions like The University of Manchester, UK. Not only do GRRRL perform, but they also deliver talks and workshops to share their knowledge and ideas, and to inspire young women and girls that they too can use their creativity to make change. GRRRL artists have a combined social media reach of over 400k.