After you’ve released a critically acclaimed genre defining, uncompromising body of work. Changed the rules and perception of what an independent artist can achieve, then win every relevant award…how do you wrap up one of the best years of your career? You put on one of the best shows a UK MC could ever do, then livestream it to 17 million people across the world.
Everything about Skepta’s recent show was unconventional; the way it was announced via a few billboards laced with Graff. The way that the 10,000 capacity Grime show sold out within minutes without any support acts, traditional advertising, or media partner. To the way that a tech company would pursue the global broadcast rights for a show by a UK MC. This hasn’t happened before.
It was another defining moment for Skepta, arguably his greatest thus far. The visuals, the stage, and the sound was incredible. It was on par with the levels set by Rap gods like Kanye West or Jay-z. Unlike Ye’ & Jay, Skepta selflessly shared the moment with his family and friends. Giggs, JME, Wretch 32, Section Boyz, Kano, Lethal Bizzle, D Double E, Novelist, and Shorty all performed on Skepta’s streamed set. Myself and Sir Spyro started the show and rocked the crowd with featured artists on our sets specifically invited by Skepta. It was dope to have Nafe Smallz and Abracadabra on my set, they both tore up the stage and built the momentum to the main event.
This was a pivotal night because it represented unity. Every artist involved rehearsed and worked towards delivering the best performance possible, everyone was committed to making the event the greatest night ever. There were no egos, no one was better or more superior than anyone else, everyone worked to make the night a success. The crowd equally played their part, it couldn’t have been more diverse. Every age, race, colour, region, and gender was present with zero incidents.
Thats right… a 10,000 capacity grime event took place in North London without any kind of trouble, arrests, or need for police presence. There was only a collective spiritual connection, an air of positive vibes to encourage a unifying experience.
This night has changed everything for the UK scene. It shows the global appeal of the Grime genre, the importance of the voice, the calibre of artistry, and at the same time debunking the myth of black music events attracting the trouble. This was nothing but a celebration of unity, a glimpse of what can be achieved if we all work together, and dare to push things forward. Things can only progress further from this point.
Congrats to Skepta and the team continually changing the game for the greater good. It was a legendary night and it was an honour to be a part of it.
Watch the live show on Apple Music now or download ‘Skepta Live From London’ on iTunes now.
