Following a sell-out event in 2023, it’s back by popular demand, on Friday 22 May from 6.45pm at St Luke’s Church in Stockbrook, one of our DT Community Hubs.
Derbyvision is co-created with the community steering groups from these areas within the city, a fabulous song contest professionally produced and presented to champion local talent and celebrate the wonderful, talented communities of Derby, a local version of the iconic Eurovision Song Contest. Different areas and communities across Derby will take to the stage with original songs. Twelve acts will perform, each hoping to be crowned the official Derbyvision champion by the end of the night.
DT Communities are proud to announce the line-up for Derbyvision 2026.
Representing Allenton will be The Soulmates Family, a British-Filipino family band from Derby, blending pop fusion, acoustic, and original music with heartfelt family harmonies. Made up of Lloyd, Jackie, and their two children, they combine everyday life with a shared passion for music, bringing uplifting performances that celebrate love, connection, and togetherness.
Representing Chellaston is Livi Louise, a Derby-based singer-songwriter bringing raw emotion and playful energy through her pop and R&B sound. With roots in choirs, theatre, and live performance, she’s now defining and developing her artistry on Baby People’s Unifying Melodies programme. Livi is inviting listeners to join her as she steps into an exciting new chapter.
Chester Green will be represented with Lilly Sphire, a live electronic music artist based in Derby. She uses launch pads to trigger loops and backing tracks as well as control FX on her vocal chain, whilst singing live. Lilly’s sound resembles trance-infused progressive house music with hints of dream pop.
Lilly Foo Black from Coxbench joins Derbyvision. She has been singing and songwriting for as long as she can remember. She believes emotions connect all of us, even if we don’t fully understand them. Her way of trying to make sense of her emotions is through music. Music is her connection, outlet, and a contribution to positively impact the world around her. Lilly values togetherness – the feeling of being seen or heard and a little less alone, whilst holding accountability for our actions towards others and our surroundings.
Fifth to join the lineup is Alyona, representing Derby City Centre, originally from Mariupol Ukraine. Her first performance on the stage happened when she was 9, and since then, music became her passion. Singing is her therapy and life. For the contest, she will perform the song called “Поринаю”, about love and the happiest moments you feel with your beloved ones.
Littleover joins Derbyvision with singer, songwriter, and vocal coach Simba Chimombe. He began his musical journey in Zimbabwe during high school. He has recorded music, performed at festivals and events, and collaborated widely, including a four-month stint on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas in 2023. Derbyvision presents his next big opportunity.
Representing Mackworth will be double act, N.E.V.E and Cole Kristen. Known as Niamh Toner, she is a RnB and soul singer and songwriter, who takes inspiration from real-world issues, often writing with social purpose. Cole Kristen is also a singer- songwriter who challenges stereotypes, by not only being able to bring in the fire with his rap lyricism but can also soothe a broken heart with his soft soulful acoustic singing. This dynamic duo will be tapping into the emotional turmoil of a relationship breakdown with their song “Complicated”.
Get ready for guaranteed silliness as wannabe rockstar Willow Millard represents Markeaton with their signature style of musical comedy! For Derbyvision, they will be performing a head-banging rock opera about a cool spider they saw once.
Orthneil Henry aka DVybrant is a Dancehall Artist born in St. Catherine, Jamaica but now residing in the UK, and will be representing Normanton. D’Vybrant is currently working alongside Starlinxx Records, on making new materials for release and also working on further establishing his musical career.
Kelvin Ossai is a singer-songwriter based in Derby, representing Osmaston, and a registered nurse. When he’s not making music, he’s saving lives. His sound blends emotion and storytelling, with songs centred on love, faith, and people. Kelvin creates music that connects deeply, drawing from real-life experiences and heartfelt moments.
PHEENIX is a Nigerian-born, Stockbrook based artist redefining Afro-Fusion with a fearless blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, afrobeats, rock, and cinematic pop. Through raw lyricism and emotional storytelling, he transforms personal battles into powerful, relatable music exploring love, identity, growth, and rebirth—rising stronger and connecting with audiences worldwide through honesty and passion.
Jonathan Dawkins represents West End. His songwriting reflects life, loss and love and was inspired by his late younger brother James. He aims to build a strong emotional connection between his music and the listener. There is no better feeling for him than performing his own music live.
2023 winner Terrianne will kick the night off in spectacular style. Special guest performers will appear throughout the evening including BLAISE, a Derby-born alt R&B artist bringing smooth vocals, honest lyrics and good vibes. Since beginning his solo journey in 2020, he has developed a sound inspired by SZA, Brent Faiyaz, Giveon and Daniel Caesar. Following his debut single in 2024, Blaise has continued to build momentum with his latest track ‘SOS’ and more music on the way. He has performed on major stages, including BST: Hyde Park with Robbie Williams, and toured across the UK, Ireland and Asia. For Blaise, it’s about connection, energy and keeping the vibe right. A special Stockbrook line–up will also be featured!
Terrianne (Singer, Winner of 2023 Derbyvision):
“Winning Derbyvision was an amazing moment in my career. I loved the community feel! Being able to create a music video & be completely free with my creativity was an invaluable experience. I am so proud of what we created & I could have never done it without the team. It gave me confidence in my creativity & I have gone on to perform on huge BBC Festival stages. It really was a dream come true.”
Hosts for the night include a range of local creatives bringing a wealth of experience across media, performance and community work. Pamela Gupta is a local journalist who freelances with the BBC as a news reporter and correspondent, with a strong connection to storytelling and regional voices. Erin Lee, known as DJ Eza, is a DJ and host, as well as a steering group member, events coordinator and social media manager, with a strong presence across Derby’s creative scene. Nipa, also known as Siren GG, is a poet, spoken word artist, DJ and psychotherapist who hosts a monthly radio show with Swingdash Radio. She moves between words, emotions and music, bringing energy and heart to the Derbyvision stage to host.
DT Communities is delighted to announce that Derby ONE will be the lead partner for this event and will be present on the night as part of the judging panel with Paul Chadbourne. Paul began his career in commercial radio at Hallam FM and helped launch Peak 107, before going on to found his own media company. He has been involved in the ownership of several radio stations, including Derby ONE, and continues to present weekly radio shows, alongside his interests in music, writing and creativity.
Additional friendly judging will take place throughout the evening, with representatives from Derby’s music industry and members of the local community awarding points. Judges include Iona Henry, Derby Music School, Bex Johnston, Terrianne, Nathan Geering (Surtal Arts), Ruth Discua, Muntu Valdo, Rachael Stevenson, Figa DJ and Phil Baggaley, with more to be announced.
RS Events, local Event Planning, Styling & Entertainment company will be donating decorations for Derbyvision, having also worked in talent operations on Eurovision in Liverpool in 2023, Derby Theatre’s 50th anniversary Fundraising Gala and more.
Sam Rushton (DT Communities Producer, Derby Theatre):
“Derbyvision is an event that not only showcases some of our wonderful community and local talent, but is a community led event that highlights the strength of community decision making in enhancing the cultural fabric of our city, and continues to write the story of our city from the voices of the people who live here. We are so proud to support and co-create this event with our community steering groups as they continue to create vibrant and dynamic events that change the way arts and culture is programmed in Derby. Also this event will be so much fun!”
This will be an evening of entertainment and community spirit to bring some cheer to all, and they cannot wait to see you there. Free light refreshments will be available on the night. As this is in a large church, you are welcome to bring cushions and blankets. It’ll be a brilliant night of joyful entertainment.
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