Student-led music event in Peckham attracts world-renowned Colombian artist

Colombian artist María Mónica Gutiérrez, popularly known as Montanera or Mountainess, will be performing at the upcoming People's Session event in Peckham next Wednesday 19 July, thanks to a community initiative organised by two SOAS student.

Sian Rees and Sophia Bourne established a non-profit community initiative, Sounds & Space, which is dedicated to celebrating and centring musicians from underrepresented backgrounds and communities.

The event, organised by the students, is set to showcase the exceptional talents of these internationally acclaimed artists.

The inclusion of Montanera, a world-renowned artist, marks a significant achievement for the small independent project spearheaded by Sian and Sophia.

Pictured above: Artist, María Mónica Gutiérrez, popularly known as Montanera or Mountainess.

Montanera's musical journey spans over a decade, during which she has released eight albums and performed at renowned venues such as the Smithsonian Museum and Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., as well as music festivals worldwide. Her distinct voice has garnered critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone Magazine praising her as having "one of the greatest voices that have emerged from Colombia in the past years."

The event will also feature Ayse Roza, a Kurdish-Alevi singer, collaborating with the talented guitarist Cenk Sanlioglu.

The People's Session event will take place at Peckham Levels, providing an intimate and unique setting for attendees. The evening will commence at 19:30, allowing guests to enjoy Montanera's mesmerizing music and experience the vibrant energy of Ayse Roza's act.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through the links provided by Sounds & Space here.

Sounds & Space, a women-led non-profit organization, continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting and amplifying underrepresented voices in the music industry. The project's dedication to fostering inclusivity and providing a platform for talented musicians from diverse backgrounds is a testament to the power of community and artistic collaboration, and, of course, to the commitment and initiative taken by Sian and Sophia.

Pictured above: Sian and Sophia, founders of Sounds & Space and organisers of next Wednesday’s People’s Session featuring Montanera.