London-based Newham Generals founder Footsie & Manchester-based emcee/producer Strategy drop the visual to their track KWIK WONTOO, produced by Toddla T
May 20th marks the release of the official video for ‘Kwik Wontoo’, a high-energy track produced by Toddla T, taken from Footsie and Strategy’s explosive collaborative album, ‘Theatre of Dreams’, that dropped earlier this month. The video, shot by Dan Hyde (Hyde Productions), was filmed on location at Manchester’s iconic Old Trafford Stadium. Dressed in Manchester United kits, the artists proudly represent the team they both support, a recurring theme that runs throughout the album and is referenced in the album title. Packed with football references, ‘Kwik Wontoo’ also features on the soundtrack for FC24. Describing the creative process as
“Exhilarating”,
Footsie and Strategy recall trading bars, swapping lyrics, and pushing each other to the limit, channeling a fierce, competitive energy that elevated their performances. ‘Theatre of Dreams’ represents a landmark moment for Footsie, his first collaborative album outside of Newham Generals, and a powerful fusion of East London grit and Manchester firepower. The album blends the unique sounds and cultures of both cities, delivered with raw intensity. Boasting heavyweight production from the likes of Toddla T, Sir Spyro, Cimm, Metrodome, Two Swords, Cartridge, Footsie, Big Kani, and contributions from Strategy himself, ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is a bold, genre-blurring statement from two of the UK’s most respected artists that continues to build momentum. The duo’s reputations speak volumes.
Footsie, a founding member of the legendary Newham Generals, has collaborated with artists such as D Double E, Skepta, Kano, and Wiley; his influence on Grime’s early evolution is unmatched. Footsie was first introduced to production by his dad, Farda Waz, who was part of King Original, one of the first Reggae sound systems in London. Initially drawing inspiration from Reggae, his tastes developed, and his obsession with Ragga, Jungle, Bashment, and Garage, which later evolved into Grime, quickly followed. He was a member of N.A.S.T.Y. Crew alongside Kano and D Double E, with the latter going on to form Newham Generals. He went on to produce a back catalogue of instrumental projects (King Original series), which will go down in history, as well as releasing his acclaimed album, ‘No Favours’, and writing award-winning tracks for other artists, including Skepta, Giggs, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, and Novelist.
Strategy is a Manchester emcee and producer who started as part of the acclaimed Broke ’n’ £nglish collective. He has long been a driving force in the North’s underground scene, collaborating with notable names such as Alix Perez, Halogenix, and Oppidan. He made a name for himself through his high-energy live performances, regularly appearing at festivals such as Outlook and Boomtown, where Strategy was a mainstay in the rave scene. His acclaimed single, ‘Marka’ alongside Dub Phizix and Skeptical, created waves in the scene, which was followed by ‘Hardware’ and ‘Blue Mile’. Strategy also heads Aux Chord, a Manchester-based platform spotlighting the next wave of underground talent. A firm fixture in Manchester’s music DNA, Salford is where it all started and will remain the heartbeat of everything he does. Strategy has been there for the hard times and the glory days, but has never sought out fame or verification. With plans to perform in Belgium, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand this summer, he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Already generating serious buzz, the high-octane single ‘Kwik Wontoo’ has earned a coveted spot on the FC24 soundtrack, propelling the album’s reach far beyond the Grime scene and into a global spotlight. ‘Theatre of Dreams’ sees Footsie and Strategy at their most potent, blending cutting-edge flows with witty football nods and a genre-defying sonic palette that fuses Grime, Hip Hop, Dub, and more. This is a bold artistic statement from two of the UK underground’s most respected figures, known for their sharp lyricism, originality, and fearless innovation in both music and live performance. To mark the album’s release, Footsie and Strategy hosted an electrifying launch party in Manchester, teaming up with Ramona Radio Rave for a three-hour set that showcased tracks from the project and beyond. They’ve also delivered exclusive live performances for DG AG and Mak10, reaffirming their status as top-tier performers and tastemakers within the scene. With co-signs from NME, Complex, Clash, DJ Mag, and Notion, plus radio support from the likes of Target, Toddla T, Sir Spyro, and Snoochie Shy, ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is shaping up to be a defining moment in UK Music, a celebration of culture, collaboration, and the ever-evolving sound of Grime.
Footsie x Strategy – Theatre Of Dreams via iTunes/Spotify
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