Lotto Boyzz

With 2016’s “Hitlist” and “Bad Gyal”, Birmingham’s Lotto Boyzz introduced the sound of Afrobbean, their self-dubbed Afro-Caribbean hybrid genre that blends dancehall, Afrobeats, grime and R&B. The duo, made up of Ash Kirnon and Lucas Henry, met at a youth club in 2011 before deciding to officially join forces. Like other, similar-minded rappers/singers J Hus and Kojo Funds, Lotto Boyzz are often categorised as Afrobashment/Afroswing. However, what makes them unique is the delicate and unrestricted fusion of their Caribbean heritage with African contemporary music soundscapes. Their 2017 debut EP, Afrobbean (The Genre Definition), lays the foundation for their sound with their Auto-Tuned vocals and vibey, midtempo beats. On “Birmingham (Anthem)”, featuring fellow Brummie JayKae, they represent their hometown, while “No Don” received remix treatments from grime veteran Chip and Afrobeats artist Mr Eazi, expanding the duo’s reach.