Little Simz with Joan Armatrading

IMAGINE having Joan Armatrading as your accompanist. Islington rapper Little Simz cut a powerful figure as she commanded the A-list crowd at the Bafta Awards on Sunday night with Heart On Fire from her 2022 album NO THANK YOU. According to Armatrading, she appeared at Little Simz’ invite, the 72-year-old icon providing the cool guitar riffs to Simz’ ice-cold beats. Little Simz deservedly continues to rise and with the Hollywood crowd in town, perhaps she will be bound for LA one day soon (if that’s her thing).

• It seems Maya Hawke can do no wrong at the moment – the quirky gangly kook (yes, all of those things) in Stranger Things, a master strategist in Do Revenge (no spoilers), she has a legion of fangirls and still finds time for a successful music career in parallel. She plays two nights at Lafayette on March 6-7.

• Mercury prize winners Young Fathers play the Roundhouse on March 9.

• Blondie drummer Clem Burke, Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Pet Shop Boys dancer Katie Puckrick (vocals) celebrate the 45th anniversary of the release of Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life album with a special show at 100 Club on March 1.

• Adam Lambert, the voice of Queen as it is today brings his vocals to Koko on Feb 27.

• While I continue to hold my breath for the much-refuted reformation of R.E.M., the band’s former lead guitarist Peter Buck and Luke Haines (The Auteurs) – who met and decided to collaborate after Buck bought one of Haines’ Lou Reid paintings – play Lafayette on Feb 25 – that’s enough music references in one item for ya!

• Marking International Women’s Day, Abbey Road’s Equalise Festival (March 4), aims to inspire and empower young women aspiring to a career in music. Tickets are free by ballot to the series of talks and workshops with leading female figures from across the music industry and will be live-streamed on Abbey Road’s YouTube channel. No room for the incredible list of panelists here but find the full programme at www.abbeyroad.com/equalise

• The latest edition of Thank Frank it’s Friday, hosted by Kentish Town musician Frank Chalmers, features legendary blues singer Honey B Mama, Sarah Jane Rimmer, Jill Keating, Veronica Martell, Marina Avetisian and Eloise Lindley at Kentish Town Stores tomorrow (Feb 24).

• Classic blues rock outfit Willie & The Bandits play the 100 Club on Feb 25.

• There was a time in the 90s when David Grey was everywhere. Now, performing songs from his album Skellig live with his Skellig choir, he plays Union Chapel on Feb 27 + March 7 as part of a more sparing series of five intimate shows. He is supported by Irish musician and producer David Kitt.

• Fliptrix, CEO of influential hip hop label HighFocus Records, introduces his new album Mantra No. 9 at Camden Assembly on March 3 with support from King Kashmere and Renelle 893.

• More upcoming gigs: Feb 24 – Hotel Lux, The Dome; Meekz, Islington Academy; Feb 25 – Fever 333, Roundhouse; Feb 27 – Masta Ace, Jazz Café; Foxhaunt, The Finsbury; Feb 28 – Lissie + Hannah Ashcroft + Cat Clyde, Koko; Low Girl, The Lexington; March 1 – Gold Panda, Lafayette; Kerala Dust + Catching Flies, Koko; March 2 – Eliza, Koko; Homeboy Sandman; Gentleman’s Dub Club + The Skints, Roundhouse; Betty Who, Heaven; March 3 – Call Me Karizma, Underworld; The Vapors, 229; Dehd + Dry Cleaning + Thus Love, The Roundhouse; We Are Scientists, Koko; Stereo MCs, Lafayette; Madvillainy, Jazz Café; Ellyn Oliver, Aces & Eights; March 5 – Ghana Independence with Alfa Sackey + Africa Bawantu, Jazz Cafe; Jose James, Lafayette; March 6 – Lucy Farrell, Green Note; March 7 – Courtney Marie Andrews, Koko; Grade 2, The Lexington.