WHAT DOES GLASTO WANT? Conversations with the Curators and Programmers Shaping UK Music festivals

The UK is one of the most exciting countries when it comes to music festivals, still the latino representation looks very weak, regardless of latin music being the most listened music genre globally. What are we doing wrong? A panel of highly regarded music programmers - Chris Tofu (Continental Drifts), Francisco Carrasco (Luma Creations/Liverpool), Georgie Pope (Marsm/SOAS) explain the processes, dilemmas and does and donts of getting booked. Followed by a Music showcase

Event Venue

THE FORGE

Event Address

26 DENMARK STREET, LONDON WC2H 8NJ

Date

25/03/2025 19:00 PM -25/03/2025 22:00 PM

LatinoLife Incubators are essential events for all those with a professional interest in the creation, promotion and distribution of Latin Music, bringing industry bosses, promoters, venue managers, festival curators, labels, distributors, media and artiats to rub shoulders, get inspired, share ideas and experiences and make plans.

After 3 successful years of industry events, LatinoLife is proud to announce its series of Incubators for 2025 - Three evenings of panel discussions and live music showcases.

In the final of our 2025 Incubators, we bring together highly regarded music programmers - Chris Tofu (Continental Drifts), Francisco Carrasco (Luma Creations/Liverpool), Georgie Pope (Marsm/SOAS) explain the processes, dilemmas and does and don'ts of getting booked.

Georgie Pope (Marsm)
Georgie Pope is a music promoter and entrepreneur working to encourage cross cultural exchange through music and dance. She completed her PhD in ethnomusicology, focusing on Vaishnavite dance practices from Assam, Northeast India, at King's College London in May 2020. She now divides her time between running public-facing music events and courses for SOAS University of London; developing projects with Arab music promoter Marsm; and creating workshops and resources for schools looking to diversify their music curriculum, under the auspices of her organisation the Global Music Academy. @marsm_uk

Chris Tofu (Continental Drifts)
Established in 1995 DJ Chris Tofu has become a pioneer of Vintage Remix and the UK Festival scene, sharing his obsession with all things remixed and raucous with jumping crowds across the globe! From Glastonbury to Istanbul thismusical maverick is constantly exploring, discovering and
creating new sounds and new experiences, mixing up the formula for good vibe pie! He has been involved in hundreds of festivals with the official title of Chief Vibes Master at the likes of Glastonbury (where he runs Shangri La and programmed for Lost Vagueness),Bestival, Edinburgh Fest , Sydney Festival, Revolution Festival, Boomtown, Lattitude, Lowlands, Wilderness, Shambala and
Secret Garden Party to name a few…@continentaldrifts

Francisco Carrasco (Luma Creations)
Francisco arrived in the UK as a child refugee, and through his diverse experience and passion for the arts became founder, CEO and Creative Director of Luma Creations. He has led a range of arts organisations including Brouhaha International and The Liverpool & Merseyside Youth Music Action Zone. Delivering festivals, carnivals and large-scale events in the UK and Internationally as Artistic Director, including the Merseyside International Street Festival, the One World Festival and Chester Carnival of Giants. Francisco created the highly successful programme Creative Futures, which is dedicated to developing professional practice in the creative sector, and he is often invited to deliver lectures at universities and conferences both nationally and internationally.

Followed by a Music showcases with artists:

Blla
Isabella Zapata, professionally known as BLLA, is a vibrant and emerging talent in the
Urban Latin music scene. Born in Medellín, Colombia, she grew up across Spain and Italy
before moving to London to pursue her dreams. Her music is a powerful blend of emotional
storytelling, urban Latin rhythms, and heartfelt themes of empowerment, resilience, and
gratitude. Inspired by icons such as Karol G, Shakira, Selena Quintanilla, Alicia Keys, and
Whitney Houston, BLLA has developed a unique and authentic sound that resonates deeply
with her audience.
@isabellazapata_

Rojaz
Is an electronic artist/DJ from Barcelona and London who blends House and UK Garage influences with Spanglish. With an atmospheric-euphoric sound, she is known for her ethereal and airy vocals, accompanied by percussion from the UK Dance scene. Her influences include Kaytranada, James Blake, Caribou, Rusowsky, and more.
Her DJ sets are an energetic mix filled with House, Garage, and Spanish touches.
@rojazmusic

Xtasy
David Devia, known as XTA$Y, is a Colombian urban artist based in London, bringing a fresh and unique sound to the Latino music scene. With roots in a family of musicians, XTA$Y blends his influences with a bold, genre-bending approach.
From reggaeton to afrobeat to nu drill, he experiments across urban sounds,
crafting a style that’s unmistakably his own. With his fearless energy and versatility, XTA$Y is here to push boundaries and redefine the game.
@_xtasy

Diosa
Beatriz Barradas also known as DIOSA, is a London-based emerging artist originally from the picturesque island of Madeira. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Latin and Afrobeats music, she fuses elements of her cultural heritage with personal storytelling, creating adynamic and evocative sound, blending infectious beats with soulful melodies. With a passion for rhythm and a voice that captivates, DIOSA is carving out her space in the global music scene. With her debut EP ‘Diosa’s Diaries VOL I’ in the works, DIOSA is an artist to watch.
@lifeofdiosa

THE FORGE, 26 DENMARK STREET, LONDON WC2H 8NJ

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