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.
During the same period, the reggae and dancehall sound broke it’s borders, finding an extended home in the UK via the likes of Aswad, Musical Youth, Tippa Irie and the late Smiley Culture. Through these artists and others, the music became an avenue of free creative expression that allowed evolution to take place continuously, bringing fruition of new genres within the UK.
Throughout the Showtime DVD commentary from The Heatwave and various artists including Glamma Kid, Wiley, Stylo G, Stush, Lady Chann, Riko Dan and many others, brings together individual experiences of the music, depicting the formation of the inner passion seen exerted while performing on the stage. Filmed at Cargo in Shoreditch, East London on 15 June 2011 in memory of Smiley Culture (a pioneer within the evolution of the dancehall movement here in the UK), homage is paid to the inspiration he gave to many. Artists recollect their own personal memories of Smiley Culture and how they feel his influence presents itself within their music and the music being released throughout up to the present day. In addition the DVD includes a performance from Smiley Culture’s sparring partner Asher Senator which took place on the night of ‘Smiley Culture Character Reference’ adding a nice touch to the overall project.
Taking place at The Roundhouse in Camden, London the Cut The Chat panel plus panel guest Smiler entertained and interacted with the audience discussing various topics such as public displays of affection and whether it is justified to monitor the social networking profiles of a love interest. The passion between opinions shone through amongst both panel members and audience, especially during the age old argument of whether it is possible for members of the opposite sex to be platonic friends. It would seem the majority believe not, however viable reasons were shared in favour of the opposite.
