Karima Francis (born 1987) is a singer-songwriter from Blackpool, UK. More recently she has been based in Manchester. In 2009 she was named by The Observer as the number 1 act to watch. She released her debut album "The Author" on 23 March, 2009. Her single 'Again' was single of the week on iTunes in March 2009. Originally a drummer also providing backing vocals for alternative/indie band Litterbug in her home town, she had only recently became a singer, and also plays the guitar. This change of direction has revealed a singer of enormous range and power who has been likened by some to a young Joan Armatrading, but who has a unique style of her own. This is coupled with a small number of lyrical and powerful self-written songs. During the 2006 In the City event in Manchester, Karima Francis performed no less than six times and generated a great deal of both local and industry interest. During early 2007 Karima toured extensively, both as a headline act and in support of other musicians including Seth Lakeman and James Morrison during January and February. She has also performed at showcase events at the SXSW festival in Austin Texas. In Spring 2007 Karima Francis was signed to the Newcastle based independent label, Kitchenware Records. She is to start work on the recording of her first album in June following the end of her May 2007 tour. The album is to be produced by Ken Nelson who has many major credits (Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy, Ray Lamontagne...).
