WBSC's 40th Anniversary — Celebrating 40 years of community impact

Lineup

• More details about Nikki Tapper MBE

  Nikki Tapper MBE

  Nikki Tapper MBE is a distinguished broadcaster and experienced event host, best known for anchoring the long-running Sunday Night with Nikki Tapper on BBC local radio for over two decades. Her career spans presenting across BBC Radio WM and CWR, from Breakfast to Drivetime, and includes the BBC Radio 4 documentary The Syrians & the Kindertransport and the News Natter podcast on BBC Sounds. She currently presents Tapper’s Tree on Affinity Xtra and brings extensive experience hosting panel discussions, award ceremonies and celebratory events. Awarded an MBE for Services to Broadcasting and the community in the West Midlands, Nikki is a respected voice and influential figure within the African Caribbean community. ©Lensi Photography has captured Nikki Tapper MBE

• More details about Denise Lewis OBE

  Denise Lewis OBE

  We're delighted to announce Dame Denise Lewis OBE as WBSC's 40th Anniversary Keynote Speaker. Denise is one of the “golden girls” of British athletics; winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and subsequently being inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. Denise has twice been runner-up in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards and was honoured with an OBE in 2000, followed by a Damehood in 2023 and an Honourary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in the same year.  The Former Gold Medal winning heptathlete, has gone on to secure a successful broadcast career. Denise has undertaken an array of television work including commentating on high profile athletics events - she is considered one of the BBCs most credible commentators, which has seen her cover many key athletics events both at home and abroad, from the Commonwealth Games to the Olympics. Denise has also fronted shows such asBBC’s Secret BritainandRight on the Money. She took part in ITV’s Don’t Rock the Boatalong withThe Masked Dancer, reaching the semi-final. Denise also hosts her own Spotify podcast ‘Runtethered with Google’. She has been an activewear and Golf brand ambassador for Next since 2021, and has worked with multiple other brands including L’Oreal, Google, Haven and Purple Bricks. Denise is a sought-after corporate and live-event speaker, regularly discussing her career and key learnings to audiences across the UK and abroad.  Additionally, Denise has taken on the role of ambassador and patron for several initiatives, events and charities, notable working closely with Breast Cancer CareandSparks.

• More details about Angie Le Mar

  Angie Le Mar

  Angie Le Mar is an Entrepreneur, Writer, Director, Comedienne and Talk show Host who’s lived a life that has come full circle and brought her back to the place she started – the church. Growing up as a young girl in a Christian family, it was Angie’s dream to make people laugh. She achieved that dream by not only becoming Britain's First Lady of Black Comedy, but through writing and producing successful stage plays and presenting one of the most listened to shows on Choice FM. In fact, Angie's career of nearly 30 years brought her great success, a wonderful family, and a great life, but six years ago she began to feel something was missing. Following a few dark experiences, which included severe depression, serious illness and career disappointments Angie found herself crying floods of tears and called her mother in Jamaica for prayer. Her mother’s prayer was miraculously answered, and in response to that answered prayer, Angie’s mother encouraged Angie to go to church. Angie did as requested and ended up recommitting her life to God. A committed follower of Christ, Angie is also a funny and inspiring speaker with an enlightening story to share about her life, reflections on her many years working in the entertainment industry and how she has come full circle back to where it all began – the church. During 2017 Angie published her debut book Full Circle, which chronicles her journey to becoming Britain’s first black female stand up comedienne, and her testimony of coming to faith in Christ. She also staged her gospel musical Take Me Back which had its premiere at the Passion Place and Purpose Women’s conference in Birmingham in September 2017. Since it’s premiere, Take Me Back was staged six times at the Stockwell Playhouse, London to sell out audiences.

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• More details about Tracey Riggan

  Tracey Riggan

  Tracey has approximately 35 years of singing experience. Starting out as a member of Dalton Kerrs Choir Light at the age of 13 led to her first recording experience at the age of 14. During this time the quartet Divine was formed which was where Tracey developed her love for close part harmonies. Tracey recorded her first solo album called “Friends” in 1990, which reached number 10 in the American Gospel charts. She also released a single "Brand new day" which reached number 41 in the UK pop charts. Throughout her singing career, Tracey has worked with a variety of artists in the gospel world music scene: Remission Gospel Choir, Judy Bailey, Kate Simmonds, Lawrence Johnson, Priscilla Jones, Nicky Brown, Mark Beswick, Graham Kendrick, Steve and Vel Thompson, Hutchinson & Gayle. Additionally, Tracey has worked with world renowned artists such as: Groove Corporation ( Electribe 1 O 1), Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Westlife, Gloria Gaynor, Ann Nesbit, Carlene Anderson(Brand New Heavies), X factor and Michael Bolton. Tracey also fulfilled the role of Choir Director at the funeral of the Late great Cyrille Regis, who was an inspiration to many. Tracey's first love in music genre is gospel and always will be: "Gospel music makes me feel alive. It's also like a healing balm when there is pain and exhilarating when there is joy to sing about". We are excited to have Tracey Riggan at Walsall BSC’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.

• More details about Derrion Olivia

  Derrion Olivia

  Writing from a place of faith and real-life experience, Derrion brings an honest and powerful voice to the stage. Her spoken word explores the raw journey of pain, doubt, hope, and healing, offering words that reach both the heart and soul. Derrion has been writing for as long as she can remember. Most recently has toured on the "And still I Rise" tour that celebrated black excellence and history. She has placed runner up in poetry slams and performed at the UK's biggest Christian festival - Big Church festival as a solo poet. Derrion believes in the power of authenticity and uses her art to remind people that they are never alone in what they face. Whether she is sharing stories of struggle or moments of breakthrough, her words carry a spark that inspires transformation.

• More details about Bianca Passelle-Reid

  Bianca Passelle-Reid

  With over 15 years of experience, Bianca-Ashlee is a multi-faceted contemporary singer, award-winning Vocal teacher and arranger. As well as the director of Vocal Nova academy, recently nominated for ‘best education provider’. She immersed herself into the music industry at 19 years old, through the provision of bespoke vocal arrangements for artists including Lemar, the Saturdays and PJ Morton. This then progressed into collaborating with various musicians throughout the UK as a Headline performer at various award ceremonies, lead background singer and Vocal arranger. Her musical expertise includes Commercial Song writing, arranging for International Artists, Choirs and nationwide Performing Arts Academy's including the prestigious Aston performing Arts academy in Birmingham whereby she has been a vocal teacher and arranger for over a decade. Bianca showcases her voice through Various musical styles including Indie, Gospel, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, RnB and Soul. ‘My voice is the palette, and the stage is my canvas, I hope you are not only ready for a performance, but an experience.