On my radar: Bashy’s cultural highlights

Actor and rapper Ashley Thomas, AKA Bashy, was born in London and trained at the Brit School. He worked as a postman and bus driver before finding success on the grime scene. His recent release, Being Poor is Expensive, won the Mobo award for album of the year. His TV roles include Top Boy, The Good Fight, 24 and Them. Now he stars in Netflix thriller Hostage, streaming from Thursday 21 August, as the husband of the prime minister, played by Suranne Jones. He is playing at Colors Live at Hackney Church in London on 26 September.

Sinners (dir. Ryan Coogler, 2025)

My favourite film this year, delicately directed by Ryan Coogler with stunning photography, incredible performances and nuanced storytelling. It’s set in 1932 and is about criminal twins confronting supernatural evil upon their return to the Mississippi delta. The narrative marries perfectly with the soundtrack, too.It’s a complete movie that’s action-packed with high stakes, and it takes you on an emotional journey. Horror is an interesting way to explore race. It’s scary but not as scary as the real-life prejudice that’s happening every day. I watched it on a more standard aspect ratio the first time, then went to see the Imax version and was blown away both times.Top-tier film-making.

Gary’s Economics

My close friend [the DJ and producer] Toddla T was the first to send me Gary Stevenson’s videos. He’s a former City trader who now focuses on economic inequality and its effect on society. He uses his YouTube channel to explain economic concepts in an accessible way and advocate for policies that address inequality. Coming from a humble background myself, his message speaks to me deeply. I was lucky enough to meet him at Glastonbury. It was energising to hear about his ethos in person. We’ve both had rollercoaster lives and we’re coming from a similar place. He’s the real deal.

Let God Sort em Out by Clipse

It’s the hip-hop duo’s first album in more than a decade and I’ve got it on repeat. Rap and grime are conventionally considered a young person’s genre, so it’s inspiring to see elder statesmen [brothers Pusha T and Malice are 48 and 52 respectively] doing it. The production and soundscapes are incredible. The lyrics give a real window into their lives in Virginia. The artwork, visuals and whole campaign are very considered. My favourite track is F.I.C.O. - the storytelling, lyrical flow and punchlines are rap at the highest level. Right now, new music is often about quick hits and going viral, but this is a complete body of work.

Dennis Morris: Music + Life at the Photographers’ Gallery

This British-Jamaican photographer is renowned for his portraits of Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols. His collaboration with Marley began when he was 14. He bunked off school, waited outside a venue, then told him: “I’m a photographer.” Marley was just like: “Come den.” This stunning exhibition [on until 8 September] also highlights his early documentary work in the multicultural neighbourhoods of postwar London. It’s timeless photography, exploring music, identity and social change.

Little Baobab, London

I recently visited Senegal, which is a beautiful country with delicious food. Thiéboudienne is the national dish; it’s a one-pot mix of fish, rice and vegetables. We had it on a beach cooked by a local, then I wanted to eat it every day. The Senegalese also recommended yassa, a spicy marinated chicken dish. That was banging as well. When I got back to the UK, I missed the food, did some research and found this pop-up at the Africa Centre. It was spot-on. A stylish set-up with authentic food. I ordered the thiéboudienne and yassa, obviously, with a side of plantain. Highly recommended.

War Doctor by David Nott

This book was a gift from Matt Charman, the writer and creator of Hostage. My character is a doctor for Médecins Sans Frontières and it gave me insight into what its like working in conflict and disaster zones. It details Nott’s breathtaking feats, delivering emergency surgery on the frontline in Afghanistan, Libya, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Iraq, Haiti, Syria and Gaza. I was enthralled by his journey and his bravery. He’s been called the “Indiana Jones of surgery” and there has to be a film in there. An essential read from a true national hero.

Photographs by Getty Images