Music Space bursaries 2023–24, recipients announced

We are delighted to announce ACE V!S!ON and XZO as the recipients of the Music Space bursaries 2023–24.

ACE VIS!ON (he/they) is a Scottish-Malawian poet, rapper and musician. Equally as comfortable communicating freestyle/spoken word on open-mic stages as they are lacing eloquent rhyme with experimental rhythms, often inspired by themes of grief, Ioss and the universal human condition.

Since the release of their first mixtape in 2021, XZO (they/them) has risen fast on the Scottish scene playing iconic venues and events including King Tuts, St Lukes, Celtic Connections & Jupiter Rising. XZO has also made waves South of the border with Trans Producer collective “TRANS_FORMATIONS”, working with the likes of I.JORDAN and received workshops from TAAHLIAH and Ifeoluwa; returning a stunning show of collaborative work with 12 others in Manchester.

Beginning this month, ACE and XZO will receive mentoring sessions with lead mentor Mele Broomes each month. Mele will also be programming additional monthly mentoring sessions with visiting artists/musicians selected in consultation with ACE and XZO, and devised to support with creative and professional development.