It’s a dreary Monday evening, the desolate streets of Digbeth unrecognisable compared to the bustling nature of a Saturday night. The entrancing lights of the Night Owl, however, draw us in. Pencilled Promotions have us in for a night of ‘Harmony’ with an explosive array of talent, to raise money for Birmingham LGBT.
Arriving shortly after the first support act of the night, Maelou, we secure a spot centre crowd ready to encounter the sounds of Doegie and The Band. Filling the venue with powerful, soulful vocals, lead vocalist, Josephine immediately takes the reins: bouncing joyously on stage, moving effortlessly with the funky rhythms and riffs that pour out of the speakers. Doegie and The Band toys with a variety of genres, playfully dabbling with attributes of funk, soul and pop.
There is an air of utter enjoyment throughout the outfit’s set, with each band member beaming from ear to ear- jamming with complete comfort and ease. Doegie and The Band’s set features a large selection of covers with a sprinkling of original tracks. As the band exits the stage, there is a subtle lingering feeling of lacking left behind. This band have so much to give and seeing a group of people meld so easily together, with complete contentment, screamed potential. However, I just wish we were more exposed to the band’s genuine personality and character through the inclusion of more original tracks.
Next on the line up: Izuzvo. Enchanting the crowd immediately with charm and comfortable confidence, Izuzvo braces the stage with charisma, submerging listeners in soul-soaked vocals. Resonating gracefully with his band, Izuzvo naturally conducts complete attention towards his immensely warming and full stage presence. Playful, and funky, rhythmic instrumentals build up and complement Izuzvo’s commanding and
compelling vocal work. Allowing my eyes to wander across the floor space, I find people’s eyes locked onto Izuzvo’s performance, mesmerised by unique and undeniable talent. The sounds of Izuzvo are both intoxicatingly emotive and yet dosed with euphoria.
Finding time to treat ourselves to a drink between sets, I’m buzzing with excitement as Keke Manikii begins to prepare for her set. It feels wholly criminal that I am yet to see Keke live, having relished so deeply in her latest EP’s- ‘A Beautiful Mess.. Prt.1 and Prt.2’. But there’s no better feeling than seeing an artist live for the first time... Keke Manikii places herself before the spotlights, glowing with self-assurance and gracious fulfilment. Speaking in a personal and emotionally exposing manner to the audience, Keke lulls her listeners into a state of content comfort and security: there is an immense safety in the way in which Keke breaches the gap between performer and audience.
Transcendent and ethereal, Keke serenades her crowd as she rolls through a beautiful array of intimate, and profoundly emotional, original songs. Domineering the stage with delicate control and fluidity, Keke Manikki is made for the stage- I can’t imagine a place in which she could fit more naturally. As if possessed by some kind of spiritual awakening, I find myself covered in goosebumps, immersed entirely in the transportive and brazenly honest lyrical work of Keke’s tracks. Flowing beautifully from harmonious airy vocals to bold spoken word and intoxicating rap, Keke’s independent and powerfully confident nature is emphasised, whilst her delicate and vulnerable side is also allowed to gleam through. It’s difficult to pin-point a selection of favourite tracks from Keke Manikki’s set. Blooming with creative and imaginative goodness, Keke’s set is rich in flavourful tracks lifting the audience to elated and blissful highs, and then lulling them into catharsis. Each of Keke’s track’s work in tandem with each other, transitioning eloquently from one to the next- as if existing as one extended narrative. A few favourite tracks must include- ‘Caught up in My Mind’, ‘Skin on Skin’, and ‘Acceptance’.
Reflecting upon the show, I am in complete awe at the unfathomable talent of Keke Manikii, without any hesitation I can say that the world deserves to hear the masterpiece that is Keke’s music. I truly and whole heartedly believe that she will be huge.
You can now listen to Keke Manikii’s latest EPs on all major streaming platforms.
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