With two coveted spots on the Splendour Festival main stage up for grabs, this year's Future Sound of Nottingham competition, organised by Feel the Nusic, was once again hotly contested. LeftLion was there to revel in all the music, and to see the winners crowned...
The list of legends who have graced the Rock City stage since its opening in 1980 is seemingly endless. But more importantly, the list of local legends who have graced its stage is rapidly growing as, for 2026, the Feel the Nusic FSON competition returned. Its that time again in which every Nottingham-based artist hungry for a spot on Splendour’s iconic main stage have sent their demos in and the select few have competed in the epic showcase for the opportunity of a lifetime. Only two acts, down to the split decision of an industry panel and audience appreciation, walked away claiming their slot on Splendour's main stage - but like every year, all the performers have yet again walked away winners.
The first act to share the crown this year was Grime collective Two 2's. That did not come as a big shock as their allocated 15 minutes on the stage was not joined by a wasted second. With an energy that would only be expected of arena-filling artists, Two 2's burst onto the stage and let us all know they were here to win. With each member sharing the spotlight and yet equally matching talent, their chemistry and professionalism was something you would expect of acts that have been in the industry for decades.
Their set only gained momentum from an already energetic beginning and kept us all captivated through to the point they stepped off the stage. It was a presence like this, tied in with their persona, that demonstrated a talent beyond what can be taught. They all possess a spark that comes natural and their set at Splendour is likely to be the beginning of the rest of their long and successful careers.
The second act to join Two 2’s in their glory was the unfathomably talented Omari Masralis. Already a highly regarded act in the local hip-hop scene, things are only getting better for Masralis and it can be certain that his Splendour slot will be a memorable one. His poetic lyricism grasped the entirety of Rock City on Sunday night and to possess the ability to create such beauty in lyrics alongside such inspiring melodies and catchy beats is something that even some acts classed as the greats in hip-hop still aspire to achieve.
Other acts that personally, truly stood out as future winners included Louis Walsh - a veteran of Feel the Nusic by now with this being his third time to take to the Rock City stage. On a different part of the musical spectrum, Sun & Moon were playing proof that the Nottingham jazz scene is a genre rapidly gaining momentum for the big leagues and their sound will be the theme song of its triumph. And representing the city's folk music community was Emily Ashberry, an outstanding solo performer with an unforgettable vocal touch.
Both the winners' sets were something pointing to another outstanding Splendour Festival this year but of course this could never happen without the rest of those involved in Feel the Nusic. Firstly, the other participants, each one a beacon of light in the Nottingham music scene and all provide a promising future that we cannot wait to see unfold. Then, the panel of industry experts who are generous enough to give back to these events which allowed them to excel, is truly what music, especially in Nottingham, is all about. A sense of community and togetherness that allows us, as a city, to exuberate pride. A huge token of appreciation also goes towards Mark Del and Sam Nahirny who together, bring this phenomenal opportunity to life and are the true hard workers in making hidden acts deservedly visible. It is work like theirs that create the acts that go on to fill venues across the globe and makes the common doubts all musicians have null and void. They make dreams come true time and again.
The buzz of discovering new artists, the buzz of being able to say you saw them first
Mark Del
To all of those who possess a ticket to Nottingham's largest festival, be sure to get down to the main stage early, not only to provide your undivided support for local art, but to also embrace the uncanny performances all Feel the Nusic audience members got to experience this year. With the 2026 competition concluded we at LeftLion encourage all acts to get their submissions in for 2027's competition as we cannot wait to see what local legend is next to walk up those main stage stairs at Splendour.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
