STREET COVERS: PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING UNDISCOVERED ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS

Over the past 10 years Vuse – the world’s number one vape brand – has cemented its place as an innovator and a champion of edgy urban culture ¼ and we’re just getting started. Street Covers, a unique global platform we’ve created as part of our 10-year anniversary, spotlights musicians operating outside of the mainstream and partners them with artists to revive the lost art of the album cover. At Vuse we believe that every neighbourhood, street and corner in every city has a story to tell and, within them, is the hidden talent that drives the creative scenes in these regions. Their stories are the ones we want to tell.

International DJ and producer, Anfisa Letyago – a Vuse global ambassador – and renowned album-sleeve artist Brian Cannon, are our partners and will act as mentors to the talents we uncover as we seek to take them from ‘unknown’ to ‘name to know’. Building upon our decade-long support of creative talent Vuse has created a five-part series of short films featuring Anfisa and Brian, to showcase the underground music and art scenes – and the artists who bring them to life – in five of the world’s most memorable cities. The film series follows the duo as they traverse the globe immersing themselves in the unique creative scenes in Johannesburg, Dubai, Barcelona, Medellin and Liverpool, under the tutelage of local creatives in each city. Over the coming months we will be reflecting on the role the streets play in nurturing and developing local talent.

The films take a deep dive into the cultural heart of each city, unearthing the most exciting local talent who exist beyond the mainstream, and celebrating the fusion of music and art to revive the artistry of album covers that have largely been lost in the digital world.

Fast emerging as the cosmopolitan heart of Africa – despite its divided past and dangerous reputation – Johannesburg is a city where inspiration thrives and where creatives are making a statement on society by way of their craft. In this film, which aims to change the perception of how art and music can come alive in Africa, Anfisa and Brian explore Joburg through the eyes of writer, DJ and content creator Lelowhatsgood and graffiti artist, illustrator and designer Shaun Oakley.

Look beyond the fast cash and flashy cars one usually associates with this city of excess and embrace what has become a multicultural melting pot with an arts and culture scene that is set to redefine the Middle East. Anfisa and Brian join forces with visual artist Foad Hamzeh and deep house DJ and producer Rami Chami to scratch beneath the surface of this unique city that was built from sand in just 50 years.

The Gaudi-inspired skyline and hedonistic nightlife make Barcelona a firm favourite among tourists from all over the world. In this film DJ and producer Camelia and Andalusian urban plastic and mural artist Murfin take Anfisa and Brian on a trip into the heart of a city that’s been at the forefront of European culture for centuries, and is the epicentre of the Spanish underground movement.

Colombia’s Medellin is a city that represents change and transformation on an unparalleled scale, with art as the catalyst behind it. Once famous for its chequered past, modern-day Medellin is an exciting and colourful tapestry of expression. Singer-songwriter Solizantana and international visual artist Manurat introduce Anfisa and Brian to a nightlife scene characterised by a rich fusion of genres from salsa to reggaeton and everything in between.

Look beyond the Beatles and the city’s famous football team because there’s more to Liverpool than pop history and sport. Anfisa and Brian discover the city’s independent spirit and community ethos in the capable hands of Cherie Grist Renshaw, a contemporary artist and founding member of Bold Place, a business space that empowers women creatives, and DJ and producer Dowd, and discover why this city remains at the cutting edge of British culture.

Our proudly South African duo, Lelowhatsgood and Shaun, will have their track and album art launched at an exclusive event in Johannesburg before they jet off to party capital Ibiza to join the Street Cover participants from the other four cities to share their tracks and cover art in a huge celebration.
Follow their journey on the Vuse worldwide Instagram page.