Lady Chann
From The Worlds End (estate in Chelsea), to Dancehall royalty; Chanelle Williams aka Lady Chann is a formidable female presence in the world of dancehall and bashment.
Having moved around from Chelsea to Harlesden and Stonebridge as she was growing up, it was in the NW10 fold in 2004 that Chanelle befriended a group of male MCs who would help her carve out her musical persona. As Lady Chann, Chanelle joined The Suncycle Crew.
Led by Dolamite, and consisting of Gappy Ranx, ReddMan, Lante and Booji, 'we were a dancehall version of the Black Eyed Peas' says Chann.
Taking inspiration from the artists she looked up to (Lauryn Hill, En vogue, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Boyz II Men, Madonna, So Solid Crew, Phill Collins), the ferociously fastchatting Chann recorded her own version of Beenie Man's 'HMM HMM' which took off as a
hit around NW London. When Choice FM picked up the track via Master Steps, it suddenly
became hugely popular across specialist and local radio stations, culminating in a chance
meeting with Beenie Man himself.
Upon visiting London for a gig, Splakavelli, played the track to him live on air. He was so impressed he invited Lady Chann to perform with him that night at Stratford Rex, and what happened next? 'We smashed it!' she shouts.
Since that memorable run in with fame in 2006, Lady Chann has evolved as a solo artist in her own right, working with the best names in grime, dancehall and dubstep, including Sticky, Toddla T, Durrty Goodz, Manga, Gappy Ranx, Skibadee and Maxsta, to mention a few.
A staple London carnival favourite, Chann has been responsible for some bashment classics over the past few years including 2009's Your Eye Too Fast and 2010's Sticky Situation and Feel Calm.
The former she released as part of the Sticky Situation EP, on Toddla T's Girl's Music label which earned her plaudits from the The Guardian, The Fader, and The Clash amongst others.
Selecting Switzerland, Austria and Sweden as her favourite rave-destinations, her unique, outspoken style has secured her fans across the continents and Chann regularly performs in Europe and beyond.
Most recently VICE TV caught up with the MC to record a 'Story So Far' short film following her back to her roots in North West London, and later jumping on the tour bus to film Chann tearing down a club night in Brighton.
A new mixtape Dun Dem Season Vol.2 is set for release in December 2011 and is, in her own words: '60mins of mash ups and Lady Chann tunes for free download!'. Her new double a-side single 'Equilibrium / Informer' featuring Glamma Kid is released in January 2012.