Karima Francis is a Blackpool-born singer-songwriter. She is currently based in Manchester. She was named by The Observer as the number 1 act to watch in 2009. After performing at Manchester's In The City she was signed by independent record company Kitchenware Records. She released her debut album The Author on the 23rd March, 2009 which was produced by Kevin Bacon and Jonathan Quarmby. Her single 'Again' was single of the week on itunes in March 2009