Durham City rapper Faithful Johannes is a one-off. A performer, storyteller and musician, who weaves Alan Bennett-level observational humour with his own crippling social anxieties.
His first album Thrills & Bills, was described by NARC. Magazine as ‘an oddly matter-of-fact record about the crushing realities of life and moments of joy that make it all worthwhile’. It included Ghosts in my Attic a song meditating on an unsuccessful attempt to clear out a loft, which was later voted North East song of the year.
Johannes’ second album, 2021’s Ken & Jean, released on pink vinyl by Win Big Records, is a story record about a man who repeatedly fails to understand that his jokes and pranks have got out of hand, until he eventually does. It was described by Electronic Sound as ‘a beautiful confection of gentle breakbeats, farty synths, 1960s pop flourishes and Johannes’ self-described barely rap: an adorable mumble that reeks of tearooms, listless Tuesdays and a very British brand of drizzle-soaked desperation.’
He’s received multiple national radio plays on BBC 6Music. In 2023 he was shortlisted for the BBC’s Words First spoken word competition.
In 2024 he teamed up with producer Neocia for their critically acclaimed album The House at Night. A delicate study of childhood memories, familial relationships and parental angst, that places Johannes’ poetic forte at the front and centre of the North East scene. Crafted within an almost Lynchian framework, the album delves into a myriad of themes that range from the surreal to the all too real. Dreams and fears; pressures and expectations; nostalgia and present day realities. Johannes unloads his bars with a seemingly casual delivery that disarms the listener and eases them into the depth of his lyricism.
Off the back of a UK tours in 2024 and 2025, Faithful Johannes and Neocia combine live for a riveting, off kilter adventure, likely to include large cardboard signs, and personal messages being handed out to the audience.
Johannes has released an original Christmas song for nine consecutive years now. He’s vowed to continue this until death. Johannes regrets making this commitment.
In 2026 Johannes is releasing a solo album centred on local stories, magic and myth, with follow up collaborative LP with Neocia also in the works.
Electronic Sound have described him as ‘The Alan Bennett of Hip Hop’ and ‘John Betjeman with beats’.
Tom Robinson (BBC 6MUSIC) has called him ‘a great artist’, ‘a rivetingly charismatic live performer’ and said ‘if you have any chance at all, see him live’.
Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music / Jazz FM) has called his work ‘clever and authentic and really affecting’.
Ian McMillan (Bard of Barnsley) ‘Mmmmm’
Faithful Johannes 