Untitled Document

London Rootz @ Cargo, London – March 20, 2006

By Jeevan Panesar

What better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than with flourishing new music? On Monday night I made my way to Cargo in Shoreditch, where they hosted the best urban event of the season: London Rootz Live.

Showcasing some of the most talented, up and coming UK acts we’ve seen in some time, it’s hard to believe some of these people aren’t already on top of their game. And it wasn’t just your usual R&B/Hip Hop; it was an eclectic hot pot with added neo soul, funk, diva passion, jazz and touches of class.

Mel Divine (Soundbwoy Entertainment) showed off her powerful lungs with ‘Natural Woman’ before performing her single, ‘Dreamin’. Her Soundbwoy counterpart EC later treated us to a stomping performance of the infectious ‘Never Want To Say Bye Bye’.

Lee Henry humbly showcased his backing singers before performing the funky jazz infused ‘Why Did You Leave’ and ‘Say My Name’, exuding a Maxwell-influenced soul vibe. The catty KCAT also showed she had just as much raw talent as conviction and attitude when she performed the ‘girl-eying-up-your-man’ threatening ‘He’s Got It (You Ain’t)’.

Two of the most impressive acts of the night were MTV Baselounge performer Leon King and R&B songstress Asya (pictured). The multi-talented neo soul singer Leon was in support on electric guitar with the amazing in-house live band, (who have played with the likes of Keisha White – who was also there in the intimate crowd), before taking centre stage with Pyrelli with the single ‘More Than a Crush’. Pyrelli then stole the stage from all the performers with his laidback ‘Caribbean Love’ song.

Asya not only blew me away with the sheer power of her amazing diva voice and fused musical style; her stage presence effortlessly gave off real star power. Larusso also made his mark with his single ‘Got To Be Real’ featuring Doc Brown.

Sometimes it can be something as simple as the hosts who elevate the whole programme, as was the case here with Multi Musiq DJ, Funksy, and, in particular, a fine young lady known simply as Peaches ‘The Entertainer’. She was hilarious and kept the time in between acts amusing – freestyling here and there and just cracking jokes. Catching up with her later on, she said: “We’re here supporting our people; helping them shine. The Grime scene has brought with it the media – but there was Hip Hop, Soul and R&B here before that – but now we need unity and to put out the best. It’s not just about if you can sing – it’s about the whole package.”

Other artists performing included Sherrisa Stewart, Gemma Fox, Elrae, 2D, Markan, Snagga and Alex A, who each brought their own quality to the show. Unfortunately Mr Bigz and Fundemental ’03 were a no show, but this did not dampen spirits – if anything, it gave the others the opportunity to shine individually.

London Rootz proved that today’s urban scene is not just about the mix tapes, computer generated beats, Channel U and grime synonymous with the UK (not that there’s anything wrong with them!), it’s also about raw musical talent: voices, instruments and live performances that kept us enthralled ‘till home time! In the words of the now, in my mind, infamous Peaches the Entertainer, ‘Your determination determines your destination’. And these artists have proved that they will certainly do that.

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	London Rootz @ Cargo, London – March 20, 2006 By Jeevan Panesar What better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than with flourishing new music? On Monday night I made my way to Cargo in Shoreditch, where they hosted the best urban event of the season: London Rootz Live. Showcasing some of the most talented, up and coming UK acts we’ve seen in some time, it’s hard to believe some of these people aren’t already on top of their game. And it wasn’t just your usual R&B/Hip Hop; it was an eclectic hot pot with added neo soul, funk, diva passion, jazz and touches of class. Mel Divine (Soundbwoy Entertainment) showed off her powerful lungs with ‘Natural Woman’ before performing her single, ‘Dreamin’. Her Soundbwoy counterpart EC later treated us to a stomping performance of the infectious ‘Never Want To Say Bye Bye’. Lee Henry humbly showcased his backing singers before performing the funky jazz infused ‘Why Did You Leave’ and ‘Say My Name’, exuding a Maxwell-influenced soul vibe. The catty KCAT also showed she had just as much raw talent as conviction and attitude when she performed the ‘girl-eying-up-your-man’ threatening ‘He’s Got It (You Ain’t)’. Two of the most impressive acts of the night were MTV Baselounge performer Leon King and R&B songstress Asya (pictured). The multi-talented neo soul singer Leon was in support on electric guitar with the amazing in-house live band, (who have played with the likes of Keisha White – who was also there in the intimate crowd), before taking centre stage with Pyrelli with the single ‘More Than a Crush’. Pyrelli then stole the stage from all the performers with his laidback ‘Caribbean Love’ song. Asya not only blew me away with the sheer power of her amazing diva voice and fused musical style; her stage presence effortlessly gave off real star power. Larusso also made his mark with his single ‘Got To Be Real’ featuring Doc Brown. Sometimes it can be something as simple as the hosts who elevate the whole programme, as was the case here with Multi Musiq DJ, Funksy, and, in particular, a fine young lady known simply as Peaches ‘The Entertainer’. She was hilarious and kept the time in between acts amusing – freestyling here and there and just cracking jokes. Catching up with her later on, she said: “We’re here supporting our people; helping them shine. The Grime scene has brought with it the media – but there was Hip Hop, Soul and R&B here before that – but now we need unity and to put out the best. It’s not just about if you can sing – it’s about the whole package.” Other artists performing included Sherrisa Stewart, Gemma Fox, Elrae, 2D, Markan, Snagga and Alex A, who each brought their own quality to the show. Unfortunately Mr Bigz and Fundemental ’03 were a no show, but this did not dampen spirits – if anything, it gave the others the opportunity to shine individually. London Rootz proved that today’s urban scene is not just about the mix tapes, computer generated beats, Channel U and grime synonymous with the UK (not that there’s anything wrong with them!), it’s also about raw musical talent: voices, instruments and live performances that kept us enthralled ‘till home time! In the words of the now, in my mind, infamous Peaches the Entertainer, ‘Your determination determines your destination’. And these artists have proved that they will certainly do that. Return To Concert Review Archive
	US Music \| Clubs \| Front Page \| UK Music \| Events