**NOW OPEN**
We’re back for another yearly instalment of Novembars. For those who’ve missed out previously, Wordplay run a competition every November where a selection of stellar producers throw some heavyweight beats our way for you folks to make your own – rappers, singers and songwriters alike. From the countless entries we receive, we (in collaboration with the producers) then have the unenviable task of choosing the winners. Last year’s competition blew us away in terms of talent and originality; let’s see if you can top it this time around!
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THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT (30/11/26) AND WE CAN’T ACCEPT LATE ENTRIES, SORRY!
Consisting of groundbreaking producer, NK-OK and the formidable multi-instrumentalist, Mr. DM. The pair seamlessly fuse Jazz, Hip-hop, Afrobeats, Soul and Electronica genres whilst representing a talented generation of musicians coming out of the United Kingdom. Fully immersed in their art, they grew into something far more potent - crafting a supple, wide-ranging sound inspired by pioneers of Jazz and Hip-hop, and the music of the African diaspora while staying true to their London roots.
The duo won a GRAMMY in 2023 for their production on Angelique Kidjo's track 'Fired Up' on her Mother Nature LP, which won Best Global Music Album. With over 104 million streams to date, Blue Lab Beats won the Jazz FM Innovation Award in 2022 and have a few MOBO nominations under their belt. Having tracks featured in the UK rom com Rye Lane (and a cameo performance) was a massive honour.
Josette Joseph is a Producer and Sound Engineer (previously XL Recordings, Strongroom). Collaborations include, Lex Amor, Ego Ella May, Swindle, Tyson and more. Her Jamaican heritage forms the foundation of her sonic choices, inspired by anything that moves the spirit. She is also the creator of @productofdem, home to the Bun Babylon tee.
ROMderful is the electrifying indie R&B virtuoso from Birmingham, UK, whose genre-defying sound has made waves across the globe. With over 80 million streams to date, his sonic signature blends R&B, Hip Hop, Electronic, JazzFunk, and UK sounds into a universe uniquely his own.
From official remixes for Juicy J, Vic Mensa, Cosmo’s Midnight, and GoldLink, to production credits for icons like Kehlani, Syd, Duckwrth, Phonte, Little Brother, Loco, Woogie, Eill and DEAN, ROMderful’s catalogue is as diverse as it is impactful.
His debut album, Press L to Continue (2019), introduced the world to his futuristic funk-infused aesthetic featuring heavy hitters such as Shakka, Dean, Mali Music, Emmavie His 2021 follow-up Please Reconnect Controller, featuring Xavier Omar, Phonte, 9m88, and CJFly, dropped via Korean label EMA and cemented him as one of the underground’s most sought-after producers.
Micall Parknsun is a complex man. This loving husband and proud father of four is a self-confessed Hip Hop junkie, recalling the Golden Era of US Hip Hop as the catalyst for his musical endeavors.
Micall (pronounced Michael) aka Parky rose to infamy with the release of his critically acclaimed debut album 'The Working Class Dad' in 2005 and His sophomore album 'First Second Time Round' hit stores in the summer of 2009; a perfectly rounded set, chock-full of beat-driven bangers put a modern-twist on the classic Hip Hop sound.
His Third album release 'Me Myself & Akai' was entirely self-produced and showcases Micall's skills on the MPC as well as on the mic. With a campaign that has included tour support for legends like Lord Finesse, Wu Tang's GZA and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Black Milk, Phife Dawg (R.I.P). Parky is ready to put his name up on the Hip Hop Hall Of Fame... in permanent ink
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James Berkley is a multifaceted artist with a creative drive like no other, instrumentalist, vocalist and producer James Berkeley has established himself within the UK R&B, indie and soul scenes through his many musical endeavours, with nearly 50 million streams across his credits. From garnering a reputation for an impressive live show with his band Yakul to more behind-the-scenes work producing and writing for artists, James has spent the last three years building a solo career of his own.. It started with a collaborative EP alongside prolific collaborator edbl, which has racked up over 2 million streams since its release. His debut album lost boy, golden hour further established him as a solo artist in the indie scene, and his latest EP, in between A & B, has been covered by Clash, Notion and LA Weekly. Through sharing real studio moments and behind-the-scenes videos, he has cultivated a following of over 40,000 across socials.
Winners will be notified ASAP after competition deadline (30/11/26).
– Team Wordplay
Novembars 2026 competition terms & conditions can be found here.