Arlo Parks

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By Alyshea ChandBBC Asian Network

A lot has changed about The Music scene since Radio 1 Big Weekend last hit Dundee in 2006.

Just ask Sliime and Chowerman, two emerging stars on this year's line-up.

The Festival returns to Camperdown Country Park this weekend, three years after The Event was cancelled in The City because of Covid.

And the rappers are ready to " represent" the recent rise of South Asian musicians, DIY production and TikTok-driven viral hits.

" I Want It to be a thing where it's cool to be South Asian, " Sliime tells BBC Asian Network.

The Sheffield-based artist recently blew up with his song Lehenga, which he says was made to make South Asian women feel empowered about themselves and The Way they dress.

" South Asian girls definitely deserve it. They need way more representation, " he says.

" I'm glad I was able to do that with that song. "

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But his success has come as a surprise.

" Seeing the numbers it's done, seeing how many people are interacting. It's surreal. "

And after it led to an invite to perform at Big Weekend, Sliime " couldn't believe it".

" Crazy. I can actually represent South Asians on a stage like this, where some big, big names are going to be - it's just mind-blowing. I'm still trying to process it. "

From a bedroom wardrobe to Big Weekend

And Sliime isn't alone.

Chowerman, a rapper from London, is also set to perform on The Bbc Introducing stage, Two Days after dropping his debut album.

" I'm gassed, " he says.

Speaking to BBC Asian Network about his recent track Brown Boys , Chowerman says " there's just not a lot of South Asian rappers in the grime scene".

" I'm trying to rep it, for sure. "

Chowerman is also representing the growing number of artists able to make an impact without expensive studios and big-budget production.

" All the songs you're going to hear at Big Weekend are recorded in my bedroom wardrobe, " he says.

And despite being a long way from that bedroom this weekend, he's expecting a lot of support in Dundee.

Who's playing Big Weekend?

Big Weekend is happening 26-28 May at Camperdown Park in Dundee, Scotland.

Dance acts like Jamie Xx , Eliza Rose and LFSYSTEM take to The Stage on Friday.

Saturday will be headlined by The 1975 , with performances from artists like Jonas Brothers and Flo.

And on Sunday, Lewis Capaldi and Wet Leg lead The Bill , with acts like Arlo Parks , Niall Horan and Becky Hill also performing.

" I asked about 20 of my mates, expecting about five of them to Say Yes - it's a long trip, " he admits.

" They all said Yes , so my mates are going to be Front Row , screaming on".

But Chowerman is far from phased.

" I'm ready for it. I feel like The Time is right. "

Big Weekend performances will be available on Bbc Iplayer and BBC Sounds.

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Source of news: bbc.com