24 For 24: Isle Of Wight Talent For Your Radar This Year

Our annual celebration of Island talent sees Isle of Wight Radio's Dom Kureen look at 24 of the brightest local sparks and what we can look forward to from them this year.

1. Hannah Jayne — Artist

Ryde's premier portrait artist expanded her portfolio massively in 2023.

With commissions now flooding in, Hannah is making waves on both sides of the Solent.

You can get in touch with Hannah through her social media channels.

2. Katharine Dancy (katharinelifts) — Powerlifter

A remarkable woman with a captivating story.

Katharine has overcome health issues to make rapid progress as a powerlifter over the past 12 months.

Gaining a following on social media for her inspirational posts, she will make her competitive debut this month.

3. Nathan 'N8than8' Holt — Artist and Author

An artist whose projects are a journey of expansion intended to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Recently exhibiting in Ryde's 'Department' store, N8than8 has also released an e-book entitled 'The Book of the Unknown'.  

A bright and innovative artist and wordsmith for whom the sky is the limit.

4. SK — Hip-Hop Artist

New York rapper with Isle of Wight links occupying an unheralded intersection of pop, hip hop, and rock. 

SK - a New Jersey native who studied math at MIT - was an unheralded musician when spending three months on the Island in 2018, honing their craft as an international rapper in temporary family surroundings.

Now based out of the Bronx, SK has more than 41,000 YouTube subscribers and about the same number of monthly listeners on Spotify. 

5. Ben Stubbs - Emerging Musician

A talented singer-songwriter who didn't follow trends conventional to Islanders within the music industry.

Ben Stubbs strode the boards of sticky clubs, bars and pubs to pay his dues — finally releasing his debut LP, Light of my Life, in 2022, with a limited run of vinyl printed in December 2023.

The musician now has his sights set on touring and increasing the visibility of his tracks.

6. George Bone - Jazz Pianist

George is a Ryde based composer and jazz keys player who has been playing on the London scene for the last 20 years.

He has written for film, performed for King Charles and toured internationally.

George is the keyboard player in Gary Plumley's Alley Cats, while also writing with his wife Nina Plapp for their band - Blue Slipper.

A solo album is planned for the end of 2024.

7. Bill Burns - Spiritual Soul and Musician

Bill Burns is a man on a mission.

A musician who moonlights as a spiritual magician, the Sandown native has also been busy building his own business in recent years.

Bill's orgonite 'devices' (creations said to enable energy to flow more freely and harmoniously) have become sought after from as far afield as Australia, the Americas and Arreton!

8. Anna Fauzy-Ackroyd - Artistic Activist

Artist and activist who began painting in free expression in 2013 after meeting visionary artist and teacher Nicola Gibbs at a series of workshops being held at The Oracle in Godshill.

While the art has taken her on a myriad of adventures - it is her campaigning on behalf of world-renowned journalist and political prisoner Julian Assange which dominated much of her focus in 2023.

Recent years have also seen Anna make regular contributions to the annual Earth Pathways diary.

Looking forward to 2024, Anna told Isle of Wight Radio:

"Ideas continue to flow and I remind myself to take the often-small actions which, together with the input of others, culminate in surprises - be that through the art or activism."

9. Jay Eatwell - Breakthrough Rapper, Producer and Pianist

Rapper, pianist and songwriter Jay Eatwell was one of the stars of Channel 4's "The Piano", with the now 25-year-old hailed as a star in the making by the likes of Mika and Lang Lang.

Latest single, Heart That's Cold, has been released on Nine Realm Records - a label run by Jay and brother Kes.

An album announcement is expected in 2024.

10. Angelina - World Renowned Musician

Not many Island musicians are as decorated as Angelina Grimshaw - with a glowing four-star review from no less than The Guardian newspaper for album 'Vagabond Saint' - recorded in Ryde.

A slew of ongoing projects include working and performing with music writer/poet Dr Brian Hinton and an exciting project with an as yet unnamed, iconic producer which is mooted to be revealed and released later this year.

Angelina's list of musicians she's recorded with reads like a veritable "who's who" of the industry's great and good, including the likes of Mark Lanegan; Dick Taylor; Paul McGann; Paul Weller and Toyah Wilcox.

Through it all, Angelina remains humble and ambitious, with arguably the most recognisable vocals on these shores and a fruitful ongoing partnership with supremely talented brother JC, which sees the tandem share their combined gifts with audiences across Europe.

11. Jenna and Dawn Sabine - Providing Landscapes For Artists

Having hosted regular events at their Monkton Arts hub, Jenna and Dawn have provided an upbeat and inclusive space for artists, musicians, poets and all manner of other creatives.

Recent flooding has accelerated a relocation to the current Depository site further upstream, while other exciting projects the duo have in the pipeline include the Appley Tower opening and an additional community space for Ryde.

They are also set to launch the new Ryde Gypsy Jazz programme this spring,

12. Tuesday Sunshine - Queen of Murals

Having trained as an art student, Tuesday Sunshine (real name Emma Goss) is the brains behind many of the public murals you will see pop-up around Ryde in 2024.

Available to create designs at people's abodes, she has flexed her entrepreneurial muscles as well as creative ones in recent times.

The former has seen her open Game On, a family friendly retro gaming cafe and bar.

13. Paul Blackley - Wave Riding Photographer

Surf dude, finance officer and photographer - Paul wears several hats in his day-to-day life.

It is while wielding the camera that he has caught the eye and delighted followers of his work.

His event photography (including several festival snaps) has featured the likes of Tom Jones, Kelly Jones and Davey Jones (possibly).

14. Jacqueline Cook - Heartwarmingly Authentic Poet

Jacqueline, aka 'Superb Owl', has performed her spoken word at the Isle of Wight Festival, Rhythm Tree, Ventnor Fringe and Victorious among other events.

She also runs a resident open mic night at Bar 74 in Ryde, finding time to give other poets and original artists a platform to perform.

The name Superb Owl comes from a humorous text auto correct she encountered when attempting to refer to the Superbowl in Ryde.

15. Lottie Bowater - Enigmatic Generational Talent

One of the most extraordinary minds ever to emanate from these shores, Lottie is a creative prodigy who previously ran a radio show from the outskirts of Yafford.

A talented pianist, actor and wordsmith, there's very little that Lottie can't adroitly put her hand to.

Her Mixcloud podcasts make for compelling listening. Truly a free spirit.

16. Zac Lacey - World Champion Swimmer

Talented Isle of Wight athlete Zac Lacey topped off a successful calendar year by retaining his 200m and 50m Butterfly titles at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Crawley.

Zac competed in six events and retained his 2022 titles in 200m Butterfly and 50m Butterfly.

The only person to make both our 2023 and 2024 selections.

17. Kes Eatwell - Rapper's Delight

Raucous rapper and the older brother of breakthrough star Jay.

Kes won the Bestival spoken word competition back in 2015 and has gone from strength to strength since.

Now recording and producing for his own label, a collaboration with Jay is eagerly anticipated.

18. Xavier Baker - Mermaid Gin Co-Founder And 'Galivanter'

Xavier (above, left) is one of the co-founders of the Isle of Wight's globally exported Mermaid Gin brand, which he started alongside mentor and friend Conrad Gauntlett.

Currently in the midst of taking on the "World's Toughest Row" as part of the three-man Mermaid Atlantic Team, an exhaustive training schedule saw him trade gin for gym, undergoing five hardcore sessions a week, in the process losing 20lbs and gaining a tight six-pack.

The rowing race, which the team embarked upon shortly before Christmas, has them going head-to-head with 3,000 miles of stormy seas, while enjoying the occasional glass of Mermaid and tonic... hopefully in this case not on the rocks.

19. Jack McHugh - Silver Tongued Radio Presenter

Known affectionately as Jacky 'Baby Boy' McHugh, this young buck has become a familiar voice over the airwaves in the past 12 months.

Jack began his on-air career in hospital radio, before joining the Isle of Wight Radio team post-pandemic.

The 29-year-old has also successfully hosted the breakfast show in Paul Topping's absence, with his dulcet tones gaining widespread approval from listeners.

20. Joe Thompson - Stirring Guitarist

A ridiculously talented guitarist, you may have spotted Joe joining forces with one of many highly regarded local musicians.

These include a pivotal role within Forever to Go (see entry 24) and gigs alongside the likes of Jim Thorn and Ian Mitchell.

His low profile makes him something of an enigma, but if you're lucky enough to catch him live then you'll be in for a treat.

21. Layton Greatorex - Island Rugby's Great Hope

#laytthegreat

Layton, hailed as 'Wunderkind' by his growing legion of fans, has burst onto the scene like a wrecking ball - putting fear into opponents each time he takes to the field.

Initially inspiring Ventnor's 2nd XV, 'Layt the Great' has rapidly emerged as the brightest young talent to ply his trade on these shores since the legendary Jonathan Griffiths, who went on to represent Wales at three different sports - rugby, rugby union and cricket.

National scouts have been falling over themselves to secure the services of the superstar, who has chosen to focus on rugby following a celebrated bodybuilding career.

22. Scott Goodhew - Actor, Event Organiser and Fashion Designer

From child actor to respected fashion entrepreneur, Scott Goodhew's impressive career has gone somewhat under the radar.

As an early-noughties youngster, he shared the role of Luke Conlon in Sky One's popular football based soap Dream Team, later hosting music events at iconic London venue 'The Bedford'.

Scott was also an Island Youth MP who debated in the house of commons.

More recently, he teamed up with Italian footwear designers Guidomaggi as part of a new fashion outlet in London.

23. Olivia Cure - Captivating Songstress

Musician, Singer and Composer who has become a popular performer at numerous Isle of Wight venues.

Jazz performances have become a standout feature of any bill she adorns, with a swelling fanbase testament to her burgeoning popularity.

Olivia is one of the brightest young talents on the south coast.

24. Georgia Nicole - Platform One Star

This talented 20-year-old singer is part of an exciting crop of musicians currently studying at Platform One in Newport.

Georgia fronts Forever To Go - a breathless, exhilarating four-piece function band.

Recently starred at Brading's Bugle Inn to see in the New Year.

-

Congratulations to all of the talented people who have featured in our line-up for 2024. 

Here's a reminder of the previous selections we've made:

23 for 23

22 for 22