In a sublime opening set at a full Hammersmith Apollo , J Appiah proved himself far more than a mere warm-up act for headliner Michael Kiwanuka. Commanding the stage with remarkable poise, Appiah delivered a performance of exceptional class that left the audience spellbound and wanting more.
From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, Appiah’s magnetic stage presence was undeniable as the photos from the set illustrate. Moving with deliberate grace between soulful ballads and uptempo grooves, he navigated emotional landscapes with the confidence of a seasoned performer while maintaining the hungry edge of an artist with something to prove.
His band deserves special mention—a tight-knit ensemble of exceptional musicians who brought thunderous energy to every composition. The chemistry between Appiah and his players was electric, fun and full of energy. While tonight he stands in Kiwanuka’s shadow, J Appiah’s star is unquestionably ascending. Remember his name—definitely one to watch out for,.
In a transcendent performance at Hammersmith Apollo this week, Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka confirmed his status as one of Britain’s most captivating musical voices. The historic venue provided the perfect backdrop for Kiwanuka’s soul-stirring compositions, creating an atmosphere that oscillated beautifully between chilled introspection and electric anticipation.
From the opening notes, a spellbound silence descended upon the packed auditorium. The audience remained in collective rapture throughout, hanging on every note as if their very existence depended on it. Adding to the sensory experience, wisps of fragrant incense burned by band members curled through the air, enveloping the entire Apollo in an aromatic haze that further enhanced the almost spiritual nature of the evening.
Kiwanuka’s large ensemble – a collection of remarkable musicians who surrounded him on stage – performed with exceptional precision while radiating an unmistakable joy. Their faces betrayed a palpable pride in sharing the spotlight with an artist of Kiwanuka’s caliber, their reverence for his artistry evident in every measure they played.
The significance of Kiwanuka’s journey was never far from mind. Born to Ugandan parents in North London, his path to acclaim has been marked by periods of crippling self-doubt and identity struggles – themes that permeate his work and give it such profound resonance. These hardships, now transformed into triumph, lent additional weight to his performance.
The undisputed highlight came with “Cold Little Heart,” the standout track from his Mercury Prize-winning album. The song’s gradual build from delicate vulnerability to soaring catharsis perfectly encapsulated Kiwanuka’s extraordinary gift – the ability to express the most complex human emotions through his mesmerizing compositions.
As the final notes reverberated through the Apollo, the audience rose in unanimous appreciation, acknowledging not just a stellar performance, but a deeply moving communion between artist and listener – one that will linger long in the memory of all fortunate enough to witness it.
To pick up your copy of Michael Kiwanuka’s brilliant new album ‘Small Changes’ head over to his Official Website
Photo Copyright © Kevin O’Sullivan
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