On my radar: Joy Crookes’s cultural highlights
Born in Lambeth, south London, in 1998, singer-songwriter Joy Crookes started uploading cover versions of songs to YouTube aged 13. She released an EP in 2017 and was nominated for the rising star award at the 2020 Brits. Her debut album, Skin, a collection of soulful R&B songs exploring relationships, her Bangladeshi-Irish heritage and the changing face of south London, came out in 2021 to critical acclaim and a Mercury prize nomination. From 9 to 16 March, Crookes will be supporting Lizzo on the UK leg of her tour.
1. Film
Aftersun (dir Charlotte Wells)
Paul Mescal stars in this with Frankie Corio, who was found by Facebook casting. I love this film because it reminds me of my relationship with my father: every single scene is something I did with my dad when I was around the same age as the girl – we used to go to Turkish resorts, and there were pool tables and strange-coloured drinks. But it offered a perspective I wouldn’t have seen as a child. I’ve seen it twice now in cinemas. When I saw it with my dad I was in floods of tears.
2. Book
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I’m reading this because my nine-year-old brother read it before me and I felt embarrassed that I hadn’t. The book feels very personal to me: as much as we don’t at all have the same lived experience, I find a lot of parallels that relate to my life and the way I thought as a young girl. I’m taking my time reading it because the story has a massive effect on me. I’m deeply moved by the way Angelou writes about her brother: she calls him her “Kingdom Come”, and writes about how his every move affects her.
3. Venue
Jumbi, London SE15
I love this venue in Peckham, co-owned by my friend Bradley Zero, who also runs Rhythm Section radio. It has a sit-down, communal vibe, there’s food and really nice drinks. As the day progresses into night, all the tables are removed and it turns into a dancefloor. There’s a big turntable, speakers surrounded by records, and incredible DJs such as Haseeb Iqbal, who plays psychedelic Indian and Brazilian records. And it’s not pretentious or bougie – it’s like when your grandparents say, “We met at a dance”, that’s the type of dance it feels like.
4. Art
They’re an amazing artist who’s inspired by movements such as northern soul and ska, looking at the political thinking of that time and how it affects us now. They have an image of [a tattoo on] their back that says “Born British Die British”: it’s nice to be proud to be British sometimes, even when there are reminders that you don’t necessarily belong there and you have a government that daily takes the piss out of immigrants and working-class people. I love Rene’s work because every time I see it, it provokes a reaction in me.
5. Music
Dijon
I can’t stop listening to Dijon. His music’s raw and real: he’s a storyteller, and I like how he can either sound super-frustrated or at peace with himself. He released an album called Absolutely in 2021, and there’s rarely a song I skip. There’s so much to be said for people that are making a body of work, especially in an industry that has become more single-oriented. I love when he tweets things like: “Hey guys, I’m not releasing music because I haven’t made any I like.” I find that refreshing.
6. Documentary
All Or Nothing: Arsenal (Amazon Prime)
I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was a child. They’ve not been the easiest team to support, but this season has been a huge change: we have incredible players, we have Arteta. Going to matches or to the pub to watch Arsenal, there’s people from all different backgrounds, different races, different ages. The game brings everyone together and there’s this rush of adrenaline and sense of community. It just feels so London and so embedded in my DNA. I really loved that documentary, because it contextualises that feeling.
