From spoken word poets to political activists, meet the fresh new talents redefining their disciplines
Words Madeline Reid
Photographer Liam Arthur
Online Fashion Director Charlotte Holt
Menswear Stylist Ella Gaskell
Makeup Artist Tania Grier using Nip+Fab
Hair Stylist Kerri Ewart
Fashion Assistants Sophie O’Kane and Elodie Purcell
Top, XU ZHI
Skirt, NYNNE KUNDE
Jewellery, JADE’S OWN
Jade Anouka, 28, South-east London, Actress
Having already carved a successful career on stage in critically acclaimed productions including the Donmar Warehouse all-female Shakespeare Trilogy and Cover My Tracks, the London born actress made her television debut this year in ITV’s hospital drama Trauma.
Q: What was it like working on your first TV role in Trauma?
A: It was awesome. Working alongside Adrian Lester and John Simm, you know they’re of legendary status, so it was brilliant to learn from them. They kind of took me under their wing, and it was just an amazing step into TV, especially for what I’ve done since.
Q: What projects in 2019 are you most excited about?
A: I’m really excited about my new TV series Cleaning Up coming out at the beginning of the year because I think it’s brilliant and I had so much fun doing it and so much fun working with Sheridan [Smith].
Q: Do you have any new year’s resolutions set for 2019?
A: To be honest, I just want to keep doing a really exciting variety of jobs in film, television and theatre. If I can get a good one of each I’ll be well pleased!
Q: What is one fact about you that might surprise people?
A: I love the saxophone and I bought one the other day, and by the other day I mean the other year, with all the intention of learning how to play and I only ever learned how to make a sound on it – so maybe that could be my new year’s resolution.
Jade’s Instagram: @jadeanouka
Top, jacket, trousers and belt LOU DALTON
Shoes, DR MARTENS
Bracelet, CONNOR’S OWN
Connor Swindells, 22, West Sussex, Actor
With two feature films already under his belt, the 22-year-old boxer-turned-actor is set to star in the heartfelt yet humorous Netflix series Sex Education alongside Asa Butterfield.
Q: What was it like working with such a star-studded cast on the set of Sex Education?
A: I learned from them that being a good person goes a long way, and the reason they’ve worked for so long is because they know how to treat people well. They definitely set the tone for newcomers, because [the series] was a lot of people’s first time jobs, and Asa especially really helped settle everyone in.
Q: What projects in 2019 are you most excited about?
A: Probably Sex Education. I just hope people enjoy it because everyone worked so hard on it. I’d be very shocked if people don’t because it is just so good, and so new – there’s nothing like it out there, so that’s what I’m most excited for.
Q: If you could see one positive change happen in the world next year, what would it be?
A: There just has to be better female roles out there, and doing [Sex Education] and working with so many young women made me realise that. I think things are starting to change, especially with female directors – I’ve met a lot of great female directors this year which is refreshing and exciting and so for me that would be great change to see.
Connor’s Instagram: @connor_swindells
Top, ROSELLA MAY
Jeans, LIFE’S A BEACH
Jewellery, ABISHA’S OWN
Abisha, 24, Devon, Singer
The 24-year-old singer is set for big things in 2019 after a string of successful singles that feature her distinctive silky vocals and vulnerable yet evocative lyrics.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: So far, probably playing at Electric Picnic festival in Dublin this summer, although I was supposed to do Reading the week before but I completely lost my voice which was devastating. But yeah, a week later I did Electric Picnic which was really really fun. I was on the Aussie stage and it was like a big room outdoors, everyone was on bean bags and it was just a really chilled vibe.
Q: What are you looking forward to in 2019?
A: I’m looking forward to putting out more music, hopefully an EP at the beginning of the year, collaborations with other artists and more travelling, hopefully to America.
Q: I know you have a new single coming out. What can you tell us about it?
A: Yeah, I’m really, really excited about this next single. It’s called Confused and [is] quite different to the last three singles I have put out but I love the contrast, it’s a bit more downbeat and chilled but it’s got a really strong story line and the video matches, it’s really cool.
Q: If you could see one positive change happen in 2019, what are you hoping to see?
A: I think it’s already happening, but more gender and sexuality acceptance and the widespread message of equality, just that we’re all equal regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race… anything. Just equality and acceptance for all.
Abisha’s Instagram: @abisha
HYYTS, Adam Hyyts, 24, Glasgow and Sam Hyyts, 22, Stirling, Musicians
Scottish musical duo Adam Hyyts and Sam Hyyts have already caught our attention with their debut single Butterflies In My Head and are set to take over in 2019 with their unpredictable pop sound.
Q: What was it like shooting and releasing your first music video last month?
SAM: It was a totally new experience for us
ADAM: We’ve always had a dream that the band would be as visual a thing as it would be a music thing. We’ve always had a really visual concept, and we love bands that are really visual and have really amazing, iconic music videos and we wanted to emphasise that.
Q: What are you guys most excited for in 2019?
ADAM: 2018 has been pretty great to be honest, last week we supported Culture Club at the Hydro in Glasgow which was unreal. At the start of the year we’re releasing the song we’ve kind of been building up to, the one that we think is going to be the big single from this project so far. I think it will be the biggest landmark of our career because we just think it’s a really cool idea and I think the song has the potential to really connect with people.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
ADAM: We actually have an answer for this… Chesney Hawkes likes our Facebook page.
SAM: The one and only.
HYTTS’s Instagram: @hyytsmusic
Dress, ZIMMERMAN
Shoes, CHARLES & KIETH
Jewellery, EMMA’S OWN
Emma Appleton, 26, Oxfordshire, Actress
Star of BBC Three’s cult thriller series Clique, actress Emma Appleton is set to lead BBC’s war-time drama Traitors as Feef Symonds, a daring civil servant who agrees to spy on the British government for the Americans post-World War Two.
Q: You’re about to star in your first leading role in Traitors. How was the experience?
A: I mean, it was quite intimidating going into it, but I think for anything that is your first lead role that is a natural way to feel. But I think more than anything it was an amazing opportunity to learn from such experienced actors, they all have different ways of working which was so fascinating to watch.
Q: What’s your favourite film or television show you watched this year?
A: I just watched Homecoming on Amazon which is really good, it stars Julia Roberts and I think it’s really exciting to see really prominent actors doing TV… I think TV is as good as film at the moment.
Q: What’s one thing about you that might surprise people?
A: I’ve just started learning to play the keyboard. I’m really good at intros – I’ve decided not to do the classic learning of chords, I’m just learning intros to songs I like so if I ever did a performance it would just be a mash-up of intros on a keyboard.
Emma’s Instagram: @emmajappleton
Top and Skirt, MICHINKO KOSHINO
Jewellery, SASHA’S OWN
Sasha Keable, 24, London, Singer
The 24-year-old vocalist was propelled to stardom after co-writing and featuring on Disclosure’s Voices from their hit album Settle, but Sasha Keable has spent the last few years out of the spotlight nurturing her sound. Back with a vengeance, she returns to music with a new single and a fresh outlook.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: To be honest, I think because of a few things that have happened personally for me, the fact that now I’ve been able to still make music and still love every part of it as much as I do and I’m still here doing it to me is my career highlight.
Q: In terms of new music, what are your plans for 2019?
A: As soon as the new year starts I’m going to release a new single and then shortly after that I’m going to be putting out a new EP which I’m so excited about. Just to have a body of work that feels fresh and is reflective of me now and where I’m at so yeah, as soon as the year starts I’m just going to hit the ground running.
Q: If you could collaborate with any other artist, who would it be?
A: Just because it would be so sick I’d say Stevie Wonder, or if I could pick someone who is no longer alive then Donny Hathaway.
Sasha’s Instagram: @sashakeable
Hussain Manawer, 27, Essex, Poet
The self-described “original mummy’s boy” already has already carved out an impressive niche for himself, having supported superstar Ellie Goulding at the Royal Albert Hall, shared the stage with HRH Meghan Markle and launched the UK’s largest mental health awareness festival, to name only a few.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: I got an Honorary Fellowship, youngest person to ever receive one, from King’s College London as well, so a really respected university. They gave me it for my work on mental health and that was such a big deal. Most people wait their whole lifetime to get something like that.
Q: I think it’s fair to say that you’re an inspirational figure to a lot of young people. Who inspires you?
A: Personally, my mum and my dad, my mum has passed away now but she inspires me so much. Professionally, I think of JK Rowling, Tupac, Artful Dodger, and even Conor McGregor the MMA fighter… their stories are just so inspiring.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2019?
A: I’m hoping to represent a group of people that don’t currently have a voice in mainstream society, so that’s people struggling with depression, anxiety, people from hardship and people who struggle. I feel like in today’s world everything is made out to be so easy and so glamorous and it’s not, life is hard and I want to represent these people who really yearn for an artist to come forward that they can relate to.
Hussain’s Instagram: @hussains_house
Dress, BORA AKSU
Trainers and Socks, FLORENCE’S OWN
Florence Given, 20, Plymouth, Illustrator and Activist
At only 20, illustrator and activist Florence Given has already designed Rita Ora’s tour merchandise, preached intersectional feminism live on American national news and amassed over 100,000 followers on Instagram. The London-based artist empowers and educates her fans with body positive and anti-patriarchy illustrations online, and is now launching a podcast set to inspire the masses.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in 2019?
A: I’m really excited to be starting my first podcast next year. I could literally talk about things forever but I’m not really used to being in front of the camera, and my friends have all encouraged me to talk about all the things I discuss in my illustrations as a way to humanise my Instagram account. So that’s something I’m really excited about, I’m nervous but I really want to do it because I’ve got so much to say.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Munroe Bergdorf and Chidera Eggerue, and I just signed to onto the same management as them which is so huge for me because I look up to both those women so much. Literally, I will quote Munroe like she is the Bible.
Q: What is your new year’s resolution for 2019?
A: Probably to set boundaries with my work because I think as someone who tries to empower other women I never pour that into myself. I think of myself as being here to equip women with knowledge and empower them, forgetting that I need to be filling myself back up too.
Q: If you could see one positive change happen in 2019, what would you hope to see?
A: In terms of change, maybe a change of mindset in people? You can hope things will stop or change, but I think actually what needs to happen is for more people to be empathetic and to see outside of their own standpoint and perspective.
Florence’s Instagram: @florencegiven
Jacket and trousers, KING & TUCKFIELD
Jumper, 1X1 STUDIO
Trainers, EYTYS
Oliver Jackson-Cohen, 32, London, Actor
London born actor Oliver Jackson-Cohen has been busy making a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to his roles in NBC’s Emerald City and the BBC’s Man In An Orange Shirt. His latest project, Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, was a viral sensation and has propelled him to overnight super stardom.
Q: How do you feel about the immense reaction your newest TV series, The Haunting of Hill House, has had?
A: Well, I think it’s kind of amazing. When you’re shooting you have no concept of how it’s going to be received, and especially with Netflix you can’t really grasp the scope of it because every episode goes up at the same time. It’s been a little overwhelming the past couple weeks, but it’s been amazing and I’m so glad that everyone seems to be responding so well to it.
Q: What is at the top of your career bucket list?
A: I want to work with Tom Hanks, he’s the best, and he’s also the nicest man in the entire world so I feel like it would be a dream to work with him. I think every single day on set would be a good day.
Q: What might surprise other people about you?
A: I started speaking French first before I spoke English, I didn’t start speaking English until I was about four or five. I even dream in French and when I’m really tired I can struggle to find the right words in English.
Oliver’s Instagram: @ojacksoncohen
Hermione Corfield, 24, Gloucestershire, Actress
The 24-year-old actress is nothing if not versatile – her previous titles span from parody movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, to period drama series Halcyon, to iconic blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Her latest flick, survival thriller Rust Creek, adds to the actress’ impressive roster of roles.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: I would say the film that I’ve just done called Rust Creek. It’s my third lead in a feature film but probably the most challenging one I’ve had to do because the character was the furthest from myself. I’m really excited for it to come out at the beginning of the year.
Q: What is the best career advice you have ever received?
A: I’ve read a good quote that really stuck with me about how it’s not the things you say yes to, it’s the things you say no to in your career that shape it.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: My housemates killing my plants. It’s put my friendship with my best friend on the line for a bit. It’s funny now, but it still hits a little bit of a sore spot.
Q: Who would be your dream co-star to work with?
A: I’ve got a few… I do think Carey Mulligan has made some good choices, I really love the films she’s done. And I mean, Judi Dench is such an icon of British film, and you know if you do a film with her it’s going to be classy.
Hermione’s Instagram: @hermionecorfield
Dress, EMMA CHARLES
Ella-Blue Sumrie, 22, Brighton, Model
Her fiery hair, delicate elven features and fair freckled skin have caught the attention of Dolce & Gabbana, Jil Sanders and now British designer Mulberry.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: I have career highlights in the sense that I’ve done jobs that I’m really proud of, like I just did the Mulberry campaign which was massive for me, but I think that on a personal level my career highlight has been in understanding that I am not defined by my career. The best thing that has happened to me in modelling is learning that I’m more than modelling and that I’m not just a reflection of the work that I do or the jobs that I get.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in 2019?
A: I’m looking forward to travelling, I might be going to Tokyo for a bit which would be amazing because it’s somewhere I probably wouldn’t get to go to if it wasn’t for work. My favourite thing about modelling is all of the different places I’ve been and the people I’ve met which never would have happened if it wasn’t for my job.
Q: If you could change one thing about the fashion industry what would it be?
A: I would improve the welfare of the girls. I think a lot of steps have been taken recently, small changes are being made in regards to health, to age, to rights and to privacy, but I think there’s always room for improvement.
Ella-Blue’s Instagram: @bluesumrie
Will Tudor, 31, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Actor
He may be best known for his roles in hit series Humans or Game of Thrones, but 31-year-old actor Will Tudor is set to hit our home screens this Christmas in a new series playing Olympic ice skater Christopher Dean.
Q: You’re about to star in ITV’s new drama about ice-skating legends Torvill and Dean. What can you tell us about it?
A: You know what, I’m very excited about this one because I think it’s a story people really want to hear. [Torvill and Dean’s] performances were so passionate and revealing yet we know very little about their lives and what they did to get to where they got to, so that’s what this story tells. It comes out around Christmas and it’s absolutely perfect family viewing, so I just hope people enjoy it.
Q: Who would be your dream co-star to work with?
A: I really enjoy the work of Emily Blunt, she would be my ideal leading lady. She has this warmth, it’s such a tangible warmth, and everything I see her in I feel like you have a connection to automatically.
Q: What are you looking forward to in 2019?
A: I really like the idea of being challenged. I’d like a role that really takes me out of myself, something which requires an in depth process because they’re the ones that you can really get lost in, and also weirdly enough you learn a lot about yourself from doing those kinds of roles.
Will’s Instagram: @willtudor1
Jacket, t-shirt and trousers CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN
T-shirt, KATHERINE HAMNETT
Tom Rockwell, 35, London, DJ
Tom Rockwell has checked every box on the dance music bucket list, but this year the London DJ has turned his hand to producing and releasing his music by launching his own label Obsolete Medium.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: It’s difficult, I don’t think I could name one thing. I’ve played really world renowned festivals like Glastonbury and EDC Las Vegas, I’ve toured the world, I’ve presented shows on Radio 1… they’re all the bucket list things that everyone aspires to in dance music and I feel lucky to have done those things while not really trying to be overtly commercial, but I’d say I’ve just launched my new label and this is definitely close to the top of things that I’m most proud of.
Q: What inspired you to launch your own label?
A: Being able to have my own label and have complete control over everything has been really invigorating and really inspired my creativity. If I hadn’t have done this I would still be on the merry-go-round of releasing music on other labels, doing gigs and it was kind of just getting a bit monotonous so it was interesting to introduce a bit of change into my career and just really has lit a fire under my creativity, so to speak.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: To stop worrying about everything and just enjoy it. There’s been periods where I’ve been quite prolific and successful and been too stressed to take a step back and enjoy it, but it’s something that I’m purposefully making sure I take time to do now.
Q: What might surprise other people about you?
A: That this year I started doing pilates and I really like it. It’s like my new favourite thing, it’s literally changed my life.
Tom’s Instagram: @tom_rockwell
Striped Suit, KATHERINE HAMNETT
Zak Abel, 23, London, Singer
Sweet soulful vocals, bucket loads of charisma and an effortless ‘undone’ hairstyle – Zak Abel, who also happens to be signed to Models1, has the makings of a pop sensation. Having recently finished touring with musician Tom Misch, the singer is now preparing to release new music and work on his upcoming album in the new year.
Q: What has been your career highlight so far?
A: I recently played a show in Seoul, Korea and there was approximately 1500 people there and for me that was a little reminder that my music has reached people all around the world. One of my biggest goals was to travel the world and play music and so to be able to do that in Korea was a real blessing and real reminder than I’m blessed to do something that I love.
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
A: Watching other people play video games, and then do the wrong thing. With FIFA especially, I’m on tour with Tom Misch at the moment and watching some of the boys play FIFA… it’s really silly, but it grinds my gears.
Q: What have you learned touring with Tom Misch?
A: That it doesn’t have to be stressful to be good. On tour with Tom everyone is having a laugh, everyone is friends and really relaxed, and yet it’s a seriously good show.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in 2019?
A: I’d like to have two or three more tracks out in 2019, and then a lot of touring. I’ve got a UK tour date booked already, on 16th March at the Roundhouse in London.
Zak’s Instagram: @zakabel