Under the neon glow and pulsing warmth of Ramona's crowded dance floor, Manchester finally had its moment. This city, famous for shaping music history and known for its grit, style, and raw talent, was overdue for a global nod. And what better way than the MTV EMAs? Held at the shiny, state-of-the-art Co-op Arena, the EMAs brought fans, artists, and eyes from all over the world to Manchester, celebrating our music culture, our roots, and our future.
But the soul of this event wasn’t just in the main arena. All over Manchester, from intimate backrooms to our iconic indie stages, there were gatherings, performances, and energy that only a city like ours can bring. Ramona, one of the Northern Quarter’s hottest venues, hosted a special night for Manchester’s emerging talent – an MTV Takeover curated by Ramona Radio. The space was thick with sound and movement, fuelled by margaritas, and a lineup that celebrated what we’re all about. You could taste the vibe in the air – bold, loud, unapologetically Manchester.
As Chunky himself said, “It’s a big deal that the EMAs have come to Manchester. It has been too long... it’s always London that gets it.”
He’s right. For years, London’s been the automatic choice for big events, while Manchester – the birthplace of so much musical legacy – often sits in the shadows. But not anymore. Manchester finally feels like that city, and the MTV Takeover at Ramona made that clear. The night wasn’t about big headliners or nostalgia. Although, that Rita Ora interview with Bez was something...
Chunky, Ms Dee, and Sno – the Sound of Now
Anyone who knows the pulse of Manchester’s music scene knows these names – Chunky, Ms Dee, and Sno. These are the artists defining the “Manchester sound,” a blend of grime, UKG, and bass-driven beats that feels as raw and electric as the city itself. They’re not just riding the wave of the UK’s grime and break revival; they’re pushing it forward, showing the rest of the country how it’s done.
Chunky is a pioneer, a tastemaker, and at the top of his game. If you haven't heard his album Somebody's Child, then where the fuck have you been? Its fantastic and oozes a style that’s equal parts dubstep, grime, and pure Manc energy, Chunky doesn’t just play music – he creates the whole package. His mixes aren’t about a single genre but a gritty, layered vibe that brings together everything from his Swamp 81 days to his work with Hessle Audio. There’s no mistaking his sets; it’s as if each track builds on Manchester’s legacy while carving out something new. Chunky is still here, at the top, not only representing but redefining what the city’s sound can be.
Then there’s Ms Dee – a powerhouse DJ whose sets are a tour through UK dance history, with a fresh, underground edge. She moves seamlessly from Afrobeat to deep house and broken beats, bringing a kinetic energy that draws people to the dance floor and keeps them there - the Ms Dee effect... She doesn’t just drop tracks; she curates experiences which was absolutely evident on the night. She’s putting Manchester’s underground scene on the map, one mix at a time, bridging the past and present with a sound that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
Rounding out the lineup, Sno represents the next generation of Manchester’s music scene, blending grime, hip-hop, and Afrobeats into a sound that’s as moorish as it is high-energy. Sno showcased her fearless approach, fusing heavy beats with a brilliant flow that brings the crowd to life. Her sets are beautifully soulful, a reminder that Manchester’s music isn’t just history; it’s here and it’s happening now. She’s showing the rest of the UK what the future sounds like.
Together, these three artists lit up Ramona, bringing an unapologetic underground spirit that’s unmistakably Mancunian. They’re not just part of the cities music scene; they are Manchester’s sound.
Why Manchester? Why Now?
The EMAs coming to Manchester is more than a prestigious event; it's a recognition of the cities undeniable impact on music, past and present. For too long, we’ve been synonymous with our legendary past – the Hacienda, the Madchester scene, and the iconic bands that put us on the map. Think Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis – we’ve got a lineage that no one can deny. But the city's music scene isn't just about history; it’s about where we're going now.
I mean, we can't still be talking about the Hacienda 100 years from now - something has to change.
With a documentary in the works called Made in Manchester: Past, Present, and Future, there’s a growing realisation that Manchester’s story is still being written. Yes, we honor our roots, but Manchester today is bursting with fresh sounds, diverse influences, and artists who are reshaping what it means to be from here. The EMAs have finally given us the global platform we deserve. Why has it taken this long for the world to recognise that Manchester is not only a hub for rock but also a global capital for dance, electronic, grime, and more?
A Night to Remember
Walking into Ramona that night was incredible, the people were buzzing with pride, the air thick with anticipation and, yes, margaritas. Everyone was shoulder-to-shoulder, dancing, laughing, and raising glasses to the moment. The pizza was flying, the bass was heavy, and the atmosphere was electric. The night wasn’t just a party; it was a statement.
Manchester wasn’t just showing off for the cameras. We were living it, breathing it. And as the night went on, with Chunky, Ms Dee, and Sno keeping the crowd moving, it was clear: Manchester has always been more than just a city. It’s a scene, an attitude, a legacy that refuses to fade. This was our city’s night to shine, with the world watching – and we owned it.
The EMAs have come and gone, but the fire’s only just been lit. Manchester’s artists, its scene, and its sound have something to say, and it's about time everyone listened. What do you guys think?
As always, we will see you at the front!
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