We Out Here 2025 through five key performances

This month, We Out Here returned to Dorset with a four-day programme spanning music, talks, art, wellness and more. Sets from Samrai, Nala Sinephro and KOKOROKO were among the highlights.

There are layers of story and rich cultural diversity in every element of We Out Here. To start, it’s a gorgeous celebration of the musical spectrum – from community radio to first-time b2bs at open deck slots, via powerhouse ensembles like Rotary Connection and recent Crack cover star Noname programmed on the main stage. Culinary offerings ranged from restaurant dining to chefs making their festival debut with support from The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network and We Out Here’s trader curator. With its lakeside setting, wellness offerings and talks, it felt like more than a music festival. Here’s a taste in five key performances.

Nala Sinephro 

From the first notes, London-based harpist and composer Nala Sinephro guided the room into an out-of-body experience. She began with a quiet grounding at her strings, summoning a continuum of swirling, healing sound that grew in intensity before opening into an ensemble: saxophone (James Mollison of Ezra Collective), drums (Moses Boyd), and keys (Lyle Barton). Boyd’s sensitive, patient drumming answered Sinephro’s elegant cues, a soft smile prompting glimmering hi-hats. 

The group’s intimacy and musical intelligence radiated. Adorned in a white shirt dress and pearl-drop earrings, Sinephro swayed with her eyes closed, a quiet sorceress of sound. The set unfolded seamlessly, unbroken and wordless until the very end, when she gently introduced her band – the microphone barely on – and the crowd erupted.

Samrai 

Samrai’s late-night DJ set at Near Mint Record Store was a masterclass in politically-charged dancefloor energy. Liberation Sound blended a selection of amapiano, UK garage, drill and more, while MC Nuradin Abdi’s presence added depth and urgency. At the height of the night, he had the dancefloor united in chant: “End the occupation now!”. It was a moment that felt both defiant and deeply communal; in the red glow of a record store-turned-club, Samrai weaved joy, resistance, and rhythm into one current.

Elijah presents 1000 Black British Records

Writer and DJ Elijah is currently working on a project titled 1000 Black British Records, actively archiving a thousand tracks that reflect the diversity and depth of Black British musical history. The record archive won’t be about genre balance – it’s “vibes-based”; a living, growing, imaginative celebration of homegrown talent. A way to “speak up the music”.

Continuing his multi-decade questioning of why Black British music is underplayed and overlooked on UK radio despite its vast contributions – from lovers’ rock to drill – he critiqued pop culture’s obsession with “American mediocrity”. Speaking about it live, it was refreshing how much Elijah enjoyed hearing audience perspectives and welcomed debate, never claiming to have all the answers. He is aiming to bring it to We Out Here in 2026, so watch this space.

Tomorrow’s Warriors Jam 

Attending a Tomorrow’s Warriors Jam show is like watching the future of British music unfold in real time. It’s a vibrant, organic exchange of ideas between musicians and audience – new sounds are invented on the spot, while classics like Everybody Loves the Sunshine are joyfully reimagined. It’s a space where young artists feel safe to experiment, take risks and shine, with pianist, conductor, and host Emily masterfully guiding the flow, ensuring every soloist gets their moment.

The talent, connection, and pure joy on stage pricked tears in my eyes. As a pioneering organisation in jazz education and artist development, Tomorrow’s Warriors continues to nurture diverse UK talent. The future of jazz is in very good hands.

KOKOROKO

As the sun dipped on the final day of We Out Here, KOKOROKO delivered a glowing, soul-soaked set that perfectly captured the festival’s spirit. The eight-piece London collective blended neo-soul, Brit funk, bossa nova and lovers’ rock into a rich, playful sound that, in many ways, embodies the UK jazz renaissance. Opening with an Ebo Taylor tribute before celebrating their new album, Tough Times Never Last, the band radiated warmth as they shared their love for each other, for music, and for the space it creates. As one member put it: “No place I’d rather be than right here.” And honestly, we all felt the same.