Time4Peace

British Music Act

So Solid Crew

Since Winning the EMMA Award

So Solid Crew are a British UK garage and hip-hop collective who have evolved from their explosive early chart success, into an enduring cultural institution. Their influence has rippled through British music, fashion, and media for over two decades.

While the collective’s members pursued diverse creative paths over the years, the group’s identity remained a powerful symbol of UK urban culture. Lisa Maffia established herself as a solo artist, businesswoman, and television personality; Romeo expanded into acting, reality TV, and music collaborations; Asher D, now globally recognised as Ashley Walters, became one of Britain’s most respected actors through acclaimed roles such as Dushane in Top Boy; Oxide & Neutrino continued producing and performing, contributing to the UK’s electronic and rap scenes; Harvey became a familiar face in entertainment; and Swiss solidified his reputation as a skilled lyricist.

Across the years, the crew reunited for various high-profile performances, including headline sets at major UK festivals and anniversary shows, which celebrated their groundbreaking role in bringing UK garage to the mainstream. Their sound, style, and unapologetic representation of British street culture influenced the rise of grime, drill, and UK rap, inspiring artists such as Skepta, Stormzy, and Little Simz.

Beyond music, So Solid Crew’s legacy is deeply embedded in Britain’s cultural fabric – they redefined the image of Black British talent on a national stage, opened doors for future generations, and left a blueprint for how a grassroots collective could dominate music charts, shape youth culture, and remain relevant decades later.

Background (Before 2002)

Formed in the late 1990s in Battersea, South London, So Solid Crew rose from a close-knit group of friends and local performers into the most influential collective in the UK garage scene, bringing together an impressive roster of talent including visionary founder and driving force Megaman, the distinctive and commanding voice of Lisa Maffia, smooth-talking Romeo, sharp lyricist Asher D, energetic showman Harvey, innovative producers Oxide & Neutrino, and skilled wordsmith Swiss, amongst many others.

So Solid Crew’s fusion of rapid-fire MCing, slick production, and hook-laden choruses set them apart, capturing the energy of London’s underground clubs and pirate radio stations. After building a loyal following with early tracks and electrifying live performances, they exploded into the mainstream with the tracks “Oh No (Sentimental Things)” and the groundbreaking “21 Seconds,” the latter showcased each member’s individuality and collective strength, and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2001 as well as winning Best British Video at the BRIT’s and later on the EMMA’s.

So Solid Crew’s debut album ‘They Don’t Know’ also hit number one, demonstrating the group’s ability to balance chart-friendly hits with gritty street anthems, while their unapologetic style, bold fashion, and commanding presence helped to redefine British urban culture.

By 2002, So Solid Crew had not only transformed UK garage into a national phenomenon but also laid the foundations for grime, UK hip-hop, and other homegrown genres, influencing countless artists and leaving an enduring mark on the sound, style, and attitude of British music.

About Us

We have been promoting Social Cohesion that has led to successful Social Inclusion in certain sectors within the Creative Industries since 1997. As pioneers to define the proper meaning of Multiculturalism, which is a natural development of a Metropolitan environment leading to a Cosmopolitan society, EMMA is perfectly suited to pursue our new Time4Peace project that resonates with Generation Z who are about Peace.

EMMA has been referred to as the cultural Oscars from their conception since 1997, because of its Multicultural philosophy to promote Social Cohesion and to encourage Social Inclusion throughout the “Creative Industries”. EMMA has been the first ever- Creative Industries TV show, worldwide, which has ensured its growth within the UK by £125 billion and $4.3 trillion globally; the EMMAs were broadcast on ITV & BBC.

Campaigns

EMMA has been in the forefront of many ground-breaking campaigns since 1997, by changing Britain’s global image, as the catalyst for the London 2012 Olympic Games and undertook a Social Cohesion conference in 2011. Throughout our Ad campaigns our message is for racial emancipation, where you are only judged by your character and not race or colour. Instigated the Equal Game conference at Wembley Stadium.

The Time4Peace Charity Music show is an apolitical and areligious event, whereby, every person can promote the collective need for Peace in whatever conflict affects them and will be a ticketed event. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the charities of the ticket buyer’s choice as selected. All charities will be displayed on our App or Website, and funds transferred to the charity (subject to required changes). >>more

Global Issues

Humanity is facing a major crossroad with further alienation taking place amongst communities on a national and worldwide level leading to direct and indirect conflict that could eclipse the devastation imposed during WW2. EMMA has been working in the background since our conception to promote Social Cohesion with Ad campaigns to tackle Modern Day Slavery, Mental Health Issues and loss of life from Knife Crime

The FC Match is a Football Supporters competition that celebrates the Multicultural aspect of each Football Club that symbolises the most celebrated sport on the planet from domestic Football to the FIFA World Cup. The winning supporters will receive an EMMA Multicultural trophy that has been won by Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Ian Wright, Prince Naseem and Venus Williams, etc.

About Us

We have been promoting Social Cohesion that has led to successful Social Inclusion in certain sectors within the Creative Industries since 1997. As pioneers to define the proper meaning of Multiculturalism, which is a natural development of a Metropolitan environment leading to a Cosmopolitan society, EMMA is perfectly suited to pursue our new Time4Peace project that resonates with Generation Z who are about Peace.