Event Review: ILUVLIVE (Industry Special) – 12th March 2012

Time for another Industry Special edition of ILUVLIVE at XOYO in Old Street, London and there is a mellow vibe already within the atmosphere. Audience punctually present and mingling, small observation tells me that they’re ready to be entertained by the acts billed for the night; CHARLEE DREW, JOSH KUMRA, KAL LAVELLE, ENGLISH FRANK and MIC RIGHTEOUS.

First up Charlee Drew is welcomed back to the ILUVLIVE stage and once again the audience are hypnotized with his sharp tones. Within his last number titled ‘Did Me A Favour’ Charlee Drew hits notes that spur a grand applause from the audience as he makes way for Josh Kumra. Kicking off his set with ‘Don’t Go’ which he features alongside Wretch 32, Josh connects with his following numbers while also taking a picture of the audience so everyone can share the moment together.

Kal Lavelle steps to the stage armed with an acoustic guitar and without warning belts out piercing vocals strong enough to entrap the eardrums of those within the venue and out. The power within her second number ‘Disaster’ causes quiet throughout, allowing every word and melody to be soaked in. The talent held by Kal Lavelle will surely be remembered by everybody present tonight.

Ready to set the stage alight from the moment they’re under the spotlight, Big Cakes and English Frank give the audience food for thought within the first number and it’s clear to see the hype has been established as Big Cakes leaves the stage. Carrying on the momentum, English Frank shows off his talents once again for the ILUVLIVE audience, letting his sense of humour shine through while ordering a reload from the live band. Before leaving the stage, English Frank has everyone viciously bopping their heads until finally leaving to a rapture of cheers and applause.

Last act billed for the night Mic Righteous steps up and receives immediate interaction from the audience. The vibe within the venue is strongly prominent and infectious; many can be seen dancing and singing along with arms in the air. Following a heartfelt declaration about why he does what he does, Mic Righteous brings Kal Lavelle back to the stage for a last minute treat of goosebump inducing music to wrap up the night.

But before the show is over, the open mic competition takes place and it appears there is a lot of unearthed talent taking part tonight. But winning the crowd over with ‘Heard It All Before’ by Sunshine Anderson is Lauran, who will be back to open the show when ILUVLIVE returns on 2nd April 2012.

Event Review: ILuvLive - 25th July 2011

With Ras Kwame away on business, REMEL LONDON once again takes the hosting spot tonight introducing herself to the ILUVLIVE audience and let's all know what is lined up for the evening's entertainment. With forthcoming performances from Baby Boom, Royal Priesthood, Teezy, Kris Baya and English Frank, the show gets underway at East London spot Hoxton Square Bar.

Winning the open mic competition at the last ILUVLIVE, MISUNDERSTOOD open up with 'One Last Kiss’ that has a strong commercial pop feel that reminds me of Taio Cruz. Changing the flow for their second number holding a soft R&B feel, 'Heart Beats For You' pleases the audience and many can be seen bopping their heads.

Next up oozing with dancehall culture, BABY BOOM steps up to the stage sporting peroxide canerows, a starched black cotton shirt with a green, gold & red ribbon and embroidered lion of Judah on the back of the shoulders, black tee, starched jeans, red flannel in the back pocket, black bandana across the brow completed by a pair of dark glasses. He starts his set with 'Calling My Name’, which has a strong eminence of dancehall legend Tiger Cat. Second number 'Swagga Boss' gets a quantity of gun fingers in the air and when finished is greeted by a loud 'Boiiii' from the audience. Finishing up with 'Nah Normal' BABY BOOM calls a lady up on stage to show the ILUVLIVE audience just exactly what dancehall is all about!

 

Slowing it down, ROYAL PRIESTHOOD follow up with a smooth number titled 'Beautiful Woman' which takes the mind to a serene place and is openly appreciated by the audience. The serenity continues throughout the set. ROYAL PRIESTHOOD has definitely connected with a number of hearts within the audience as well as ears.

Having already graced a large number of stages alongside Jay-Z; the ILUVLIVE audience is next greeted by TEEZY  who keeps the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout his set. His last number 'Feeling It' is received best by the audience who can be seen dancing along with him as he bubbles along to the vibe on stage.

 

Following an interlude with entertainment provided by Rinse FM's JJ, KRIS BAYA  takes to the stage with guitar in hand, immediately breaking it down which continues throughout his set until he slows it down to give a small helping of Amy Winehouse's 'Love Is A Losing Game'. Picking back up the pace for his last number, KRIS BAYA leaves the stage to applause of gratitude from the audience.

Having made major impact online, DRU BLU is up next and the place is pounding to the beat during his second number 'On Our Own' which is produced by headliner of the previous event; DaVinche. Blessed with four number set, DRU BLU finishes up with an acoustic Adele cover titled 'Someone Like Dru' received very well by the audience.

Rounding up the entertainment for the night, ENGLISH FRANK takes to the stage and declares his love for the host of the night REMEL LONDON as well as music. Second number 'Get Em' is a treat as ENGLISH FRANK rides the beat like rodeo and his delivery is on point! ENGLISH FRANK's stage presence is an experience many are pleased to not have missed.

Make sure you don't miss the next ILUVLIVE taking place on 8th August. Same time same place...



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