Iquao Aluko, an 18-year-old vocal artistry student from West London, is set to take the stage at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park this Saturday. Aluko is now studying at Access Creative College in Tower Hamlets. Like his peers, he is on the cutting edge of a new wave — a generation determined to build careers in the creative industries.
Aluko’s ascent in the world of music is more than an inspiring story—it speaks to a larger story about working-class representation, or lack thereof, in the industry. He emphasizes the significance of their experiences, stating, “People from working-class backgrounds have amazing stories to tell.” And make no mistake—he is passionately committed to sharing these stories. That drive inspires the students at Access Creative College, who are all determined to make their creative impact on the world.
Co-creator Aluko is looking forward to this weekend’s festival. He hopes to use his gift to put on for the people of the hood and elevate people that come from where he does. As a former artist, he wants everyone to be able to have the same opportunity to make it in the music industry.
“We deserve to be heard in the industry and we should be deserving of having the chance to put our handprint on the history of music,” – Iquao Aluko
The Wireless Festival presents a platform for emerging artists like Aluko to gain exposure and connect with a broader audience. His performance was an important step in his artistic career and his mission to inspire more people from his community.
Aluko explains that the key is in getting peers to work together and build relationships. Leoni Ryan, another student at Access Creative College, is more optimistic. She emphasizes that their common love of music helps form close friendships, which may result in future collaborations.
“You can make friends and in the future you can collaborate with each other,” – Leoni Ryan
The enthusiasm among students at Access Creative College illustrates a growing movement of young talent eager to impact the music industry. Through events such as the Wireless Festival, they are given platforms to shine and share their experiences and journeys.
