Raps it up for Brum

Apr 18 2005 By Patrice John

A BIRMINGHAM rapper determined to stay close to his city roots has starred in front of 30,000 people at the UK's biggest urban music festival.

Blaq-i, from Handsworth, beat off stiff competition to appear at the weekend's Nokia Urban Music Festival, at Earl's Court, London.

The 28-year-old former Broadway School pupil had earlier wowed judges at the Medicine Bar, in Birmingham's Custard Factory, to win the regional heat of Nokia Raw's music competition..

The father of two said he was flying the flag for Birmingham at the London event, where the headline acts included Will Smith and Craig David.

"Winning this chance will definitely mean more exposure for me and in long term I'd like to run my own label."

Blaq-i has remained faithful to his Birmingham roots by signing with an independent record label in Highgate, Strong Horn Records.

His music career began when he was 16 and worked with the Midland reggae legends Steel Pulse.

He took part in their Sunsplash World tour and was also invited to join American rapper Busta Rhymes on his 2003 European Tour.