From Symphony to the Streets: LEGACY Changed the Game
14th May 2025
Written and photography taken by Anusha C-P
Saturday 12th April was a game-changer. LEGACY wasn’t just a concert, it was a cultural collision that shook Birmingham’s music scene, blending orchestral power with the grit of rap and grime. Birmingham’s rich musical talent was showcased, finally getting the recognition it truly deserves. It highlighted the city's vibrant culture and put its unique sound on a platform that transcended genres.
A Night to Remember
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere pulsed with anticipation and excitement. The venue, brimming with a diverse audience, reflected the city’s deep-seated passion for music. I felt a surge of pride knowing that I was a small part of an event that was making history in Birmingham; a night where traditional orchestral sounds beautifully intertwined with the raw energy of grime.
The buzz in the air was palpable. As the lights dimmed and the performance began, I was captivated by the sight of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) sharing the stage with some of the city’s most dynamic figures in grime. Icons like Lady Leshurr, NODB, and Jaykae, whose music has shaped Birmingham’s grime and rap scenes for over a decade, owned the stage. Their generational performances bridged two distinct musical worlds, creating something truly unique. Witnessing this fusion, I realised that LEGACY was more than just a musical event, it was a celebration of diversity, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of Birmingham.
The LEGACY lineup was stacked with talent: Big Dog Yogo, Brixx, C4, Creezon, Dapz on the Map, Jaykae, Lady Leshurr (at the Birmingham show) / MIST (at the London show), NODB, Pressure0121, Roxxxan, Saf One, Sox, T Roadz, Trappy, and Trilla. A generation-spanning roster that represented the heart of Birmingham’s sound.
A New Era of Sound: Merging Grime and Symphony
There’s something incredible about hearing a live 75-piece orchestra hit the same emotional notes as a heavy bass drop or a 16-bar verse. The concert moved between explosive, high-energy moments and deeply atmospheric interludes. Every arrangement was carefully crafted (by Phil Meadows), nothing felt forced or tokenistic. This wasn’t just an orchestra backing beats. It was a dialogue between musical worlds, a meeting of tradition and street culture that felt completely natural. The hours that the CBSO dedicated to learning and perfecting these intricate pieces was no easy feat, and their skill and dedication truly brought the fusion to life.
The artists didn’t hold back either. Jaykae's delivery was razor-sharp, commanding the stage with a presence that rivalled the thunder of the percussion section behind him. Lady Leshurr brought charisma and clarity to her performance, blending her signature wordplay with orchestral backing that felt grand but never overwhelming. Brixx’s confident performance and gritty sound also stood out, commanding attention with every line. She took charge of the stage, showing just how diverse grime can be and adding a raw, dynamic energy to the night. A particularly moving moment came when T Roadz dedicated a song to Depzman, titled Life Cut Short. The heartfelt tribute was a powerful reminder of the emotional depth grime can carry, adding a personal and reflective moment to the night.
My favourite moment came during the final song, when the massive timpani drums reverberated through the hall, adding a weight and intensity that perfectly complemented the grime beats. The violins, too, were mesmerising, each note pulling me deeper into the experience. That night, I understood that music can be a universal language, transcending boundaries and weaving together distinct strands of cultural heritage. It was as if the entire city was united by a single pulse, a heartbeat that celebrated Birmingham’s rich musical legacy and looked forward to its innovative future.
A Cultural Milestone
LEGACY wasn’t just about music, it was about identity, pride, and progression. This concert acknowledged grime and hip-hop as foundational parts of Birmingham’s cultural voice, worthy of being performed on the same stage as classical music’s most prestigious traditions. For a city with such a rich and often underrepresented music history, LEGACY was a long-overdue recognition and a bold step into the future.
And it didn’t stop in Birmingham. When the show made its way to London’s Southbank Centre on April 28th, the energy didn’t miss a beat. A strong crowd showed out, proving that the Birmingham spirit transcends cities. This wasn’t just a local celebration, it was a national moment. The performance resonated with Londoners just as deeply, confirming that the sound of LEGACY carries weight far beyond the Midlands.
The Engine Behind LEGACY
The flowers go to Punch Records for curating and producing such a powerful and ambitious event. Having had the opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes work in the lead-up to LEGACY, I gained a deep appreciation for the scale, coordination, and passion that brought it all to life. From technical run-throughs and stage changes to artist coordination and content creation, every detail was carefully orchestrated.
I had a front-row seat, not just to the performances, but to the energy, intensity, and seamless teamwork happening offstage. It was truly inspiring to see how much dedication and artistry went into making LEGACY possible. The commitment from the musicians, the technical crews, and the organisers revealed a shared vision: to build a more inclusive, innovative, and genre-defying musical culture in Birmingham.
Witnessing it all unfold gave me a newfound respect for what it takes to deliver a night as momentous as this.
The Future, Scored in Real Time
What LEGACY achieved wasn’t just a successful night of music, it was a blueprint. A proof of concept that showed how collaboration can lead to something greater than the sum of its parts. It challenged expectations, broke down barriers, and made space for new kinds of musical expression in one of the UK’s most creative cities. It filled me with gratitude and awe as it was more than a genre mash-up, it was a statement. It pushed boundaries, defied expectations, and redefined what’s possible when musical worlds intertwine. It sparked vital conversations about cultural innovation and marked a turning point for Birmingham’s creative identity. LEGACY didn’t just echo through Symphony Hall or the Southbank Centre that night, it echoed across cities, cultures, and communities.
As a ‘Brum born babe’, this experience sincerely impacted me as both a volunteer and a passionate music lover. It solidified my belief that live events have the power to transform communities, close gaps, and foster an environment where creative expression flourishes. I came away inspired not just by the incredible performances, but by the shared commitment to celebrate and reinvent the musical narrative of our city.
As I continue on my journey in the music and events industry, this experience remains a powerful reminder of why I chose this path: to be a part of moments that not only entertain but also shape the cultural fabric of our communities.
LEGACY set a new benchmark for Birmingham’s music scene, and its ripple effects will likely be felt for years. It was a vivid demonstration that progress often comes when we dare to mix the unexpected, allowing tradition and innovation to coexist and thrive side by side.
And if that’s the legacy it leaves behind, it’s only the beginning.