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Chart topping urban star Wretch 32 has spoken of his excitement at headlining the BBC 1Xtra Stage at Reading & Leeds this weekend, his first appearance at the festival.

In recent years, the festival has diversified from its traditional rock line up, and now dance and urban sounds also have a place at the event. The festival still has a reputation for it's hard-partying crowds however, but the London rapper has no fear about winning over a tricky audience.

"I'm up for it," he tells Gigwise. "I've performed in nightclubs where there are ten people, who aren't interested, and the microphone isn't working, the speakers are sort-of working. I've had to to win that crowd over when the soundsystem is horrid.

"At this level, I'm not worried about winning anyone over, what will happen will happen and I'm confident in my ability to put on a good show. I have some records that people should want to hear. It should be a good vibe, should be good fun."

Below: Wretch 32 discusses Reading & Leeds debut

The rapper returned to the mainstream in 2013 with singles 'Blackout' and 'Doing OK', and says this year has been a career highlight in terms of his festival performances.

"This year has been a great festival year for me. Last year and the year before I set myself a few goals," he adds.

"Before, I was on the smaller stages, and I looked around and thought 'one day I want to be on that stage'. This was the year I did a few main stages and I really surprised myself in my performance."

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