The Ends Festival took place in sunny London last weekend, with thousands of music fanatics flocking to Croydon for a weekend of dancing. To celebrate the occasion, Cuban drinks brand Havana Club teamed up with the festival to support London’s latest up and coming local music talent, who are set to be the next big things in the London music scene.

The six winning artists who hail from all over London including Croydon, Luton, Hackney got the chance to play in front of the largest audience of their careers so far, with the collaboration shining a light on the wealth of talent the capital has to offer.

We caught up with two of the artists, C Cane and Madison Paris, below.

What’s your earliest memory of music?
I think it was 2000, I was in the back of a jeep with my little brother in Nevis and we were on our way to the beach. I can remember having the windows down and hearing a really sweet sound in the distance. When we got to the beach there was a whole steel band playing. The music surrounded us. I had never heard a steel pan before so I remember it feeling so exciting and new. 

When did you know you wanted to do this full time?
I’ve always known I wanted to do music full time. I just think for a while I never thought it was actually feasible so it kind of remained a distant fantasy. In 2017 I realised the only person saying it wasn’t possible was me. So I just went for it. That’s when I realised I didn’t just want to do it full time, I actually could.

How would you describe your sound?
If it had to be a genre it would definitely be some variation of RnB. Although I always find it difficult to describe as I never create with a specific sound in mind. I’m more of a ‘make what you feel’ type of person. I never want it to feel forced and I love exploring new sounds and ideas. I think when you make music without the immediate boundaries of trying to sound a certain way that’s often when you’ll end up creating something unique. That’s what I’m trying to do. 

If you could collaborate with one person, who would it be?
PartyNextDoor. Not only do I love his music but he’s also a phenomenal songwriter. I would love to see his process. 

What’s your favourite of your lyrics?
“I can only see what you show me. Reveal.”  This is from an unreleased track called Reveal. It’s about growing distant within a relationship. Wanting more but not knowing how to get there. I like the lyrics because I feel like it’s simple but powerful. Most people who have listened to this song really connect with it. 


Who is one band/musician killing it right now?
Koffee. For me she’s one of the most exciting artists in the world right now. What I like most about her is how authentic she seems. It translates to her music. It’s got a good energy.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Trust the timing. As a creative it’s so easy to get caught up in comparing your journey to someone else’s. We’ve all been through it, feeling like we’re not where we’re supposed to be or things aren’t moving quick enough. I’ve learnt the hard way rushing is never the answer. Each journey is different and I think we all need to embrace that.


What are you inspired by?
My mum definitely inspires me the most. She’s always worked so hard. I think a lot of our Parents probably had to forfeit or compromise their own dreams to create stability for us. My mum has given me the freedom and foundations to go beyond that and find not only stability but purpose within a career. For that I’m grateful and it inspires me to do more everyday. 

Who was your favourite band or artist growing up?
My favourite artists growing up were Tupac for his realness and Lauryn Hill for her sheer talent. They were both God-fearing which shone through their music and interviews.

How would you describe your sound?
Different.My sound is definitely a shock to the system. I’m an extremely diverse artist so people never expect what I produce.

What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
I want my music to feel relatable and for everyone to have something they can listen to when they are in a particular mood.

What’s your favourite of your lyrics?
My absolute favourite is “Tika bango ba yebi te ba zali ba acro” from my Lingala freestyle. It means “leave them, they don’t understand”. This is my favourite because of what this freestyle did for my career and how it paid homage to my roots.
My other favourite is “proving that music is my way, it’s my lane. Not going off to uni and C doing accounting”- this was important to me because this was my way of telling my family how I really felt about my life choices and my music.

What’s the best live gig you’ve ever done?
Godiva festival was one of the highlights. I remember looking into the tent and seeing thousands of people and even more trying to watch and show me love. That feeling was unmatched.

What’s your goal for one year from now?
I want to have more bodies of work out so everyone can really feel my music. I also want to tour and do more festivals and gigs- I love performing. I also want to grow as an artist and hopefully win some awards to mark that growth.

If today was the last day on earth, what would you do / where would you go?
I would be in church praying. Faith keeps my grounded and is my first source of peace.