Karima Francis is a Blackpool-born singer-songwriter.

She is currently based in Manchester. She was named by The Observer

The Observer

The Observer is a British newspaper, published on Sundays. In the same place on the political spectrum as its daily sister paper The Guardian, which acquired it in 1993, it takes a liberal or social democratic line on most issues. It is the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.-Origins:The first issue,...

as the number 1 act to watch in 2009. After performing at In The City in Manchester, she was signed by the independent record company Kitchenware Records

Kitchenware Records

Kitchenware Records is an independent record label based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. It was founded in 1982 by Keith Armstrong and Phil Mitchell, and was originally part of The Soul Kitchen, an artist collective and nightclub...

.

She released her first album, The Author, on 23 March, 2009, to mixed reviews. The record was produced by Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon (producer)

Kevin Bacon is a British musician and record producer best known for his work with fellow brit Jonathan Quarmby under the moniker 'Bacon & Quarmby', as well as being bass player in his band The Comsat Angels....

 and Jonathan Quarmby

Jonathan Quarmby

Jonathan Quarmby is a British record producer best known for his work with fellow brit Kevin Bacon under the moniker 'Bacon & Quarmby'.-Production:*The Longpigs - The Sun Is Often Out *The Longpigs - Mobile Home...

.

Her single, "Again", was single of the week on iTunes in March 2009.