words and images by Damilola Ayo-Vaughan

Standing in the middle of the Albany, a packed; newly refurbished south London venue, gripping my camera, I am filled with the excitement and the familiar dread that comes with the anticipation of watching star perform for the first time.

Shingai Shoniwa towers above, red stage lights firmly fixed on her. For members of the audience, it was a re-introduction to Shingai, performing solo outside of her critically acclaimed band The Noisettes. As her voice begins to trickle out of the speakers, the Albany is introduced to a powerful performer with pristine pitch.

You could double the stage at the Albany and it still wouldn’t have been enough to contain Shingai’s bold aura. The songstress shares with the audience that she had been educated at the Albany; calling it home. Watching her perform, it is clear just how much she means it. Performing songs off her forthcoming debut solo E.P, Shingai, accompanied by a stylish band, is all over the Albany. At one point, she is seen leaning over the stage from a platform on the second floor, then next, she’s right in the middle of the band, and without a second thought, she tosses off her shoes invites the audience to share a dance with her.

Shingai is manic and magnetic. Her energy spreads out across the space and has everyone following her every move. She has the audience bouncing to her voice playing across groovy synths, with ease she has us hypnotised, entranced by her soulful sound.

Shingai lets the audience know how important this show was to her, this was the beginning of a new journey and she gave every ounce of herself on stage. She welcomed her niece to the stage, inviting her to sit on her lap as she dazzled the crowd; It was a personal and special night. If her E.P is anything like her roaring show, then we are in for something wild and wonderful.

Damilola Ayo-Vaughan is a writer based in London. He is also the editor-at-large at The Ocean African. Follow him on Instagram.

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Posts tagged with Music

Manic & Magnetic: Shingai Owns The Albany