Last month the Future Sound of Nottingham awards took place once again, giving seven artists the chance to battle it out on Rock City’s main stage. With a diverse line up of exceptional talent, ranging from folk and alternative rock to soul and grime, the audience and industry panel placed their votes for who should play at this year’s Splendour Festival. We spoke to winners 2Two’s and Omari Marsalis to hear where they came from and how they’re feeling about opening Splendour.
How did your musical journey start, and how has it evolved into what you’re doing now?
Two2’s: We’ve all had our own journeys, but we first met at a grime set curated by Snowy and JJ for MCs under 22. That put us in the same room. We started hitting the studio, got a few songs down, put a name on it – and the rest is history.
Omari Marsalis: I grew up in a community recording studio – my dad, Nick Stez, has produced in the Notts scene for thirty plus years. I didn’t start making music myself until I was fifteen or sixteen, but I’d been soaking it up watching him, Out Da Ville, and Jah Digga create. It’s gone from emotional expression to the first thing I think about when I wake up.
In a few weeks you’ve smashed Rock City, been crowned FSN champ, and you’re about to open Splendour. How are you feeling?
Two2’s: Spirits are really high. You can have months where it feels like nothing’s happening, then all of a sudden you gather momentum and these opportunities just appear. Rock City and Splendour are so iconic in Notts culture – being this proud of where we’re from, it’s so validating to be part of it.
Omari Marsalis: I’m buzzing – ecstatic, honestly. Performing at Rock City was amazing, and to now be opening the main stage at Splendour… my mind is blown.
Grime’s a working-class genre, often seen as aggressive, but it’s really just an expression of inner-city life. We bring positive, energetic tones that feel fresh and current - Two2's
Why did you enter FSN, and how did it feel when you heard your name read out?
Two2’s: A good friend sent us the FSN sign-up post and after a quick convo it was a no-brainer – Rock City main stage is one of the most iconic stages in the country, and a chance to showcase our genre to new audiences. Hearing our name? Speechless. We were honestly preparing to lose, so we were more nervous for the announcement than the show itself. Being the first grime act to win shows what we do really has an impact.
Omari Marsalis: My friend and producer sent me the post. I knew I’d have a chance, but with the talent in Nottingham I had to do something different – which is why I assembled the band, RosesUnderTheMoon. When my name was called it took a minute to process; it hit me when I saw my band react. A family was built.
How has Nottingham shaped you and your musical style?
Two 2s: Notts is diverse, beautiful and creative, but it doesn’t come without its problems – our experiences here, good and bad, shape what we make. Grime’s a working-class genre, often seen as aggressive, but it’s really just an expression of inner-city life. We bring positive, energetic tones that feel fresh and current.
Omari Marsalis: Massively. It gave me my identity and authenticity – from the words I use in my music to who I am as a person.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it?
Two 2s: It’s how grime from Nottingham should sound in 2026 – energetic and bubbly but also lyrical and raw. It’s hard not to bop your head, and the chemistry between us makes it a fun listen.
Omari Marsalis: Heartfelt storytelling full of rhythmic passion – it’ll inspire you and make you feel seen.
If you could curate a dream line-up of your influences to play with, who’s on the list?
Two 2s: Us headlining, then a bill pulled from all our influences: Damian Marley, Westside Gunn, Rage Against The Machine, Busta Rhymes, Vybz Kartel and MoStack.
Omari Marsalis: 6lack, Wretch 32 and J Cole.
With the talent in Nottingham I had to do something different – which is why I assembled the band, RosesUnderTheMoon. When my name was called it took a minute to process; it hit me when I saw my band react. A family was built - Omari Marsalis
And who are your favourite Nottingham artists at the moment?
Two 2s: APD, Kyeza, Snowy, Pubzy, Shadow and Window Kid, to name a few.
Omari Marsalis: JTYH and Izo.
What have you got out at the moment, and what’s on the horizon?
Two 2s: We just released a project with the very talented Felix Dubs – Starting 5ive is on all streaming platforms now, so go check it out. After Splendour we’ll be back in the studio, ready to flood the scene again.
Omari Marsalis: Three songs from my Rock City set are out – Let Em In, Human and Four Seasons. My new single Mari, Where Ya Been? drops 8 July, with more to follow, plus a debut project, UnderTheMoon Volume 1, with producer Tom Hodson later this year.
What would you say to someone on the fence about entering FSN next year?
Two 2s: Do it — don’t think twice. We submitted, some of us half-forgot about it, and then they announced us in the final. Don’t miss out on an experience that costs you nothing.
Omari Marsalis: Do it! It’s so worth it.
Any last words for LeftLion?
Two 2s: Keep streaming Starting 5ive ft Felix Dubs, and come down to K2 on 1 August for a night of madness – a sick 140 line-up with some exclusive guests!
Omari Marsalis: Follow my Instagram @omarimarsalis to keep up with all my releases.
Future Sound of Nottingham is produced by Nusic – nusic.org.uk
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