Ben Varlamos: Early Career Promoter Fund
To book two emerging female Rap, R&B, and Afrobeats artists for shows in London and Bristol, creating opportunities to showcase talent across the two cities
Ben Varlamos is an independent music promoter based in Bristol, working across Hip Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats. He began promoting live events through a passion for grassroots culture and a desire to create fair, welcoming spaces for emerging artists and audiences.
Over the past few years, Ben has built hands on experience delivering shows across Bristol and London, managing every stage from booking and budgeting to promotion and show delivery. His work is driven by a strong belief in accessibility, fair pay, and community led growth, with a focus on supporting artists who are often underrepresented within live music.
With support from the PRS Foundation Early Career Promoter Fund, Ben will produce and promote two headline live shows, one in Bristol and one in London. Each event will spotlight an emerging female artist from the UK Rap, R&B, or Afrobeats scenes, alongside carefully curated local support acts and DJs. Together, these lineups will showcase both rising and established talent while celebrating the diversity of the UK grassroots music scene.
The project aims to provide artists with professional live opportunities, fair pay, and high quality production, while strengthening connections between two key grassroots music cities. By keeping ticket prices accessible and working with trusted independent venues, the shows will foster inclusive spaces for audiences and performers alike. The activity will also support Ben’s development as an independent promoter, enabling him to scale his work sustainably while contributing to a more connected, diverse, and thriving grassroots live music ecosystem.