.png)
PROJECTS AND INTIATIVES
We’re all too aware of the problems faced by the independent industry, the same issues we’ve faced for years but somehow amplified in the current climate.
The global elite's vision for our future is not one we share.
The opportunities and solutions are beginning to present themselves. Now, more than ever, it feels like there is genuine hope that we can be the change we wish to see, a chance to bring people together and create revolution, to build a new foundation, to nurture the roots, and grow.
We have devised a collection of initiatives and ideas based around bringing people of like mind together. To encourage activity, participation, engagement and the taking of responsibility for our futures and those of our children. To know that even if we fail, we will have been culturally enriched, and have stood up for our truth.
![GH_Shambala_2022_ChaiWallahs-1 [Web].jpeg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/140ee5_318a02a72d7b46f6967a25540f9dc689~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_600,h_443,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/GH_Shambala_2022_ChaiWallahs-1%20%5BWeb%5D.jpeg)
GRASSROOTS RISING FESTIVAL
‘Grassroots Rising’ is an alternative concept to the current independent festival model.
A celebration of strictly Independent Music & Grassroots Culture.
A collaborative event that aims to bring together and partner with, independent festivals, grassroots music venues, promoters, content curators, industry organisations, a HUGE community of awesome grassroots artists, and many of the incredible crews we have met over the years.
Grassroots Rising is for everyone – a return to true festival culture.
Grassroots Supporters Artist Development Program
As part of our ongoing support for emerging music, Chai Wallahs & Diplomats of Sound CiC have teamed up with Bristol’s best loved independent music venues, and Vookoo, an all-inclusive, Bristol based collective of young promoters, DJ’s, and musicians, with an unquenchable thirst for supporting up and coming music across the city, to present: Grassroots Supporters Artist Development Program.
An 18-month program, whereby 6 bands can annually enrol in a step-by-step process to take them from being talented grassroots performers, right through to fully independent, sustainable touring and recording artists.
Drop a Headliner
Just one main stage headline act getting paid £150K, could produce 2 complete weekends of Chai Wallahs. This includes the entire production and programming budgets, 35 acts, 180 performers, 35 crew, and gives the opportunities to musicians that need them, consistent work for freelancers in creative industries, ensures that musicians leave with a fee in line with MU rates, encourages listeners to experience the new, and provides a sustainable platform for repeat events. Surely, it’s a no-brainer!!?
GRASSROOTS SUPPORTER
This fund will enable us to support a number of grassroots orientated projects, initiatives and campaigns - Such as subsidised grassroots gigs, artist development programs, ticket Banks to make sure everyone has access to live music, and the resources to campaign and lobby festival organisers and both local and national governments to help shape a fairer landscape for independent musicians.
Benefits to members include : Free parties, Chai Wallah's Merch deals & giveaways, discounted festival tickets, VIP festival passes, exclusive DJ mixes, cocktail recipies and so much more! Not to mention the amazing feeling of knowing that you’re contributing towards shaping a brighter, more culturally fulfilling future for Grassroots music.
SUBSIDISED GRASSROOTS
GIGS
Subsidised gigs funded by member donations, allowing us to program free and low-cost events, showcasing Grassroots artists, on professional platforms, with experienced crew, to new and wider audiences, whilst supporting independent venues.
These shows will be built into our Grassroots Supporters Development Program outlined below.
Supported PROJECT - JAMU
JAMU is a fresh musical collective orchestrated by turntablist Mr Fitz, delivering a bold, dynamic sound
that’s impossible to ignore.
2024 saw them make their mark on the festival scene, playing headline shows at Chai Wallahs at a number of high-energy events. They quickly became crowd favourites with their unique blend of bass-heavy beats and genre-defying rhythms.
Their debut album, Hear The Sound, dropped to critical acclaim and sold out shows in both Bristol & London, featuring an impressive lineup of MCs, including Dr Syntax, Killa P, Binbag Wisdom, and Blackout JA. Building on this success, JAMU's next album is nearing completion, set for release post another burgeoning festival season.
JAMU sets itself apart from the rest by delivering electrifying live performances comprised of thought provoking lyricism and the vibrant energy of a live horn section. This unique blend of traditional hip hop elements with live instrumentation elevates their shows to an unforgettable & immersive experience for fans.
You can "Hear The Sound" wherever you get your music and is well worth a listen.
