All Points East festival was a triumphant showing for R&B/Soul and UK music – Erykah Badu, Kehlani, Stormzy, Gabriels, Sampha, RAYE and more
For years, All Points East has delivered East London a true musical celebration. This year was no different as the festival expanded from its electronic roots to R&B and Soul.
Friday 18 August we journeyed down to Victoria Park for a special live music experience curated by Stormzy himself. What a day it was! Stormzy has shown time and time again that his ear for talent and curation sets him apart. His This is What We Mean day at All Points East was, perhaps, the most shining testament to this. As several thousands gathered for a line-up that consistently delivered. Every single act gave an amazing performance and when the giant of UK music himself, took the stage for his headlining set, even the rain seemed to recognise the glorious moment.
Saturday 26 August, we made another trip down to All Points East for a second stellar line-up of artists including Erykah Badu, Charlotte Day Wilson, RAYE, Gabriels and more. Again, we were blown away by the talent and artistry that graced the stages. We’re leaving All Points East 2023 on a euphoric high.
Stormzy’s triumphant homecoming set at All Points East
Stormzy closed out hisThis is What We Mean day at All Points East with a searing set to close out the monumental day. Stormzy’s set featured pulsating, choral renditions, rousing instrumental arrangements and his charismatic manner. Highlights included an emotional thank you message to his fans, torrential downpour in true London fashion and taking off his trainers for a raucous ‘Big For Your Boots’ performance.
The downpour that dominated the last hour of his set only seemed to add to the atmosphere as he sang “pour me water” and “let the rain fall on my enemies”. In an Instagram message after the show, Stormzy shares “It’s funny becuase somewhere down the line my career has unintentionally become synonymous with rain and water and Friday’s events have solidified that.”
Friday 18 August was a glorious homecoming for this icon of British rap.
Erykah Badu enchants the whole crowd
Erykah Badu always delivers on a stunning performance. Her All Points East set was no exception. The first lady of Neo-Soul kicked off her set with a finger-drumming intro before launching into ‘On and On‘. She took the All Points East crowd through a journey of her catalogue favourites. ‘Bag Lady’, ‘Window Seat’, and ‘Appletree’. Badu closed things out with her signature anthem, Tyrone.
Sampha’s mesmerising All Points East moment
Multi-instrumentalist and music virtuoso, Sampha, managed to make a festival field feel like an intimate concert. Sampha delivered a mesmerising set that felt so otherworldly, it’s hard to put into words. Sampha’s music is both truly electronic and deeply soulful. It’s a unique blend that takes audiences to heights, pulling you into his emotions.
He also performed unreleased music that we can’t wait to be out in the world.
RAYE 21st Century Blues
2023 has been Raye’s breakout year. Since Escapism blew up on TikTok, it’s been a whirlwind of success, including opening on Sza’s tour. But Raye has seemingly taken every opportunity to showcase her musicianship. Her NPR Tiny Desk performance was a highpoint for this with Raye announcing, “All I’ve wanted is to be seen and respected as a musician“. In that performance, like Raye’s All Points East set, Raye and her band performed Jazz & Gospel influenced renditions of songs from her album My 21st Century Blues. Raye wowed the crowd with her vocals and deeply emotional delivery, particularly on Hard Out Here.
Kehlani shuts down All Points East
Kehlani took the stage over on the West end of Victoria Park for the penultimate set of the day. Drawing a massive crowd, she took fans through her slew of R&B meets Pop bangers. Kehlani is known for her strong live performances with dancing, great vocals and incredibly charismatic stage presence. The crowd at All Points East were treated to all of this.
“My second biggest listeners come from London after my hometown…We are nothing without the people who show up for us”, she said.
Kehlani also shared the exciting news, “I’m working on a new album”.
Lucky Daye’s R&B rockstar performance
Lucky Daye and his amazing band of musicians gave an electrifying performance of synth-heavy, psychedelic renditions of his catalogue favourites. The musicianship on show throughout was exceptional. Lucky delivered an energising set, stripped to the waist and fully spanning the stage and its walkway.
Tamera’s shimmering All Points East moment
Over on the L’Oreal stage, one of the shinning rising stars of UK R&B, Tamera wowed the crowds with a set of her most popular songs. Furthermore, it was great to see the crowd singing the lyrics along with her to songs like Insensitive, Wickedest and even the recently released Diversion. Finally, Tamera’s set was a reminder that R&B acts at their finest will serve vocals, moves and energy.
Natanya – the rising star in full bloom
Natanya may be 20 but her All Points East performance showed an artist who is confident in their craft and comfortable in her skin. She took on the L’Oreal stage, drawing many passers by in with her eclectic multi-genre earworms rooted in R&B and her power vocals. Moreover, movement was a key theme of the performance as she confidently flexed her dance moves.
Debbie, indie Soul’s newest angelic voice
Debbie, Stormzy’s label mate on the formidable 0207 Defjam, took on the main stage the later part of the afternoon. She delighted the crowd with her rich voice and self-written indie / folk Soul songs. In the tradition of the great singer-songwriters, the crowd felt the passion and emotion of every lyric.
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