Maia Beth Angel of the North

Growing up in Washington, County Durham, she never imagined becoming a Radio 1 DJ was a real possibility. That sense of distance from opportunity is a story familiar to many young people outside London and one of the reasons why the Mercury Prize arriving in Newcastle this October is so significant.

Maia’s path was forged through graft and determination. It wasn’t a conventional route into the industry, there were no easy ways in, no ready-made networks to open doors. Instead, she hustled, worked relentlessly, and said yes to every opportunity, no matter how small. She describes herself as “grafting my arse off,” fighting to get a foot in the door in an industry that rarely looked north for talent. Her breakthrough proves that with persistence, Northern voices can not only reach the national stage but reshape it.

Now, from her platform at Radio 1, Maia has become a champion for female and non-binary artists and an advocate for Northern music. She is frank about the imbalance that still exists. Her work is about correcting that imbalance, spotlighting artists who would otherwise be overlooked, and ensuring the diversity of the North East is reflected nationally.

What she captures most vividly is the energy of North East crowds an energy that defines the region’s music culture. For Maia, it is the spirit of collective joy, crowds singing so loudly you can’t hear the band, audiences picking each other up if someone falls and feeling like you are part of an epic choir- this is what makes our region unique.

The arrival of the Mercury Prize in Newcastle brings that spirit into the national spotlight. It is not just an awards ceremony transplanted from London, but an opportunity to show the country the scale of creativity and ambition that exists here. For Maia, and for many like her, it means the next generation will not have to fight quite so hard to be seen. With EMI North opening doors, Generator creating pathways, and with the Mercury shining a light on the region, there is a growing infrastructure of support that simply didn’t exist a decade ago.

The lesson from Maia Beth’s journey is clear: talent is everywhere, but opportunity has too often been concentrated in the capital. The Mercury’s move north is a statement that things are changing. For Newcastle, it is a chance to cement itself not just as a host city, but as a creative powerhouse with its own voice, identity and future.

Over 7 days, The Mercury Prize Fringe brings a thrilling line-up of bold community-driven events to the city and beyond. Make sure to secure your tickets and join us for this region-wide celebration of music and culture.

Get inspired. Get involved. Take your place.

Film credits:
Funded by: Destination North East England
Produced by: Generator
Production team: Will Creswick, Krishna Muthurangu, Matty Ride-Smith
Music: Summer Sun by ERNIE
VO: Maia Beth