Meet the 2026 Class of Body Movements' Emerging Artists Programme

Body Movements, the London-based festival renowned for its vibrant queer nightlife and electronic music culture, continues to cultivate fresh talent through its Emerging Artists programme. Since its inception, this initiative has been integral to the festival’s identity, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to perform across main stages and afterparties, fostering long-term creative growth within the community.

The 2026 edition of the programme introduces eight distinctive artists whose diverse sounds and backgrounds reflect the evolving landscape of queer electronic music. Rather than simply offering one-off performance opportunities, the programme aims to develop careers and build enduring connections within Body Movements’ ecosystem.

Among this year’s selections is Tpongle, a London-based DJ with over a decade of experience who specializes in vinyl-only sets. Her music draws influence from underground scenes in London, Berlin, and Romania, characterized by minimalist, contemplative mixes that reward attentive listeners. In contrast, Brisbane’s Chubbz brings a slower tempo with sensual grooves inspired by genres such as brega funk, kizomba, and R&B, prioritizing intimacy rather than high-energy dancefloor moments.

miniMel, a familiar presence across key queer venues including Dalston Superstore and Warm Up in the Woods, offers dynamic sets that traverse multiple genres with emotional and euphoric shifts. Beyond DJing, she is the founder of UPLYFT, a platform and radio show dedicated to amplifying underrepresented femxle and LGBTQ+ talent in dance music, signaling her role as both artist and community builder.

Juicyjards adds a politically charged dimension to the lineup, merging ghetto techno, hardgroove, bounce, and footwork to express lived experiences of queerness and Black identity. His sets serve as both musical and cultural statements, reflecting the intersectionality within the scene.

YOYO represents a rapid ascent within London’s techno community. Having transitioned from dancer to DJ within under a year, this Liberian British artist infuses African rhythmic elements into dark, percussive techno designed for hypnotic, high-energy settings. This swift progression from support acts to festival bookings highlights a notable career trajectory.

HOLY C, with Caribbean and Yorkshire roots, navigates the darker sonic territories of UK garage, breaks, gqom, Latin tech, and techno. In just three years, HOLY C has secured performances at prominent venues like Fabric and Night Tales, while also directing Sisu, a collective dedicated to gender equity among FLINTA* DJs and activists.

Ivy F brings a European influence having previously held residencies in Florence and Berlin. Her sets blend 1990s progressive house, new beat, and Italo disco, creating hypnotic and playful atmospheres. With releases on labels such as Third Ear Recordings and Love International, she has become a fixture in London’s queer club circuit.

The longevity and impact of the Emerging Artists programme lie in its dedication to nurturing artists who evolve into integral parts of the festival’s wider community. Many alumni continue to perform regularly, lead collectives, and run labels, ensuring the programme’s influence extends beyond a single festival edition.

The 2026 Body Movements festival will take place on August 30 at Southwark Park, London, showcasing these emerging talents alongside established acts. As reported by earmilk.com, the 2026 cohort exemplifies the festival’s ongoing commitment to fostering a resilient and diverse queer electronic music scene.