YMCA Digital Showcase at Rough Trade - Photo by Tom Morley
The night started with Barzan who thrilled the audience with his latest single Ring Ring, which featured ADee. Nikita Davis had some great messages about relationships and the future, and you feel with more practice and experience she will be able to give a better performance and feel the emotions that she tends to rhyme about in her raps. Moyege Oke shocked the audience with her soulful vocals, hitting the high notes beautifully on covers including Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. She then went on to representing her African heritage, explaining her journey through Naija Girl. Get Involved exhibited Elmz’s improved stage presence since the Affinity Fest along with great messages of peace and knowledge of mind.
There were lively DJ sets in between the performers as well as an entertaining yet well articulated host for the evening.
YMCA Digital Showcase at Rough Trade - Photo by Tom Morley
Underground Kite Patrol were an alternative punk duet who embraced their awkward identities and gave a great performance. Havana Om followed, delightfully singing and playing a rendition of Drake’s popular Hotline Bling, speaking about the real persona of individuals in relationships. Ashley Kirlew, singer and pianist, was able to hit both the high and low notes exceptionally well, putting the correct emphasis to certain parts of the covers. He expressed his emotions well through the performance, with the audience relating to the feelings he portrayed through the music.
YMCA Digital Showcase at Rough Trade - Photo by Tom Morley
The last four acts of the evening all felt energised, had interesting stories, and got the crowd involved. Shan mixed singing and spoken word, her storytelling abilities were different to previous acts, but it worked well. The YMCA team celebrated staff member Dre’s last day with the team, and as a surprise to ADee, showed a teaser for the Bring ‘Em Down video he filmed for the young artist, before his performance. ADee had been performing throughout the night, featuring on a song at the beginning, being involved in the cypher, and finally presenting his recent single - generally, he did a great job despite being unwell.
YMCA Digital Showcase at Rough Trade - Photo by Tom Morley
Watching Bru-C perform for the third time tonight, he always brings a well-delivered set, no matter the type of event. Perform a track from 2013 about his personal story, the atmosphere in Rough Trade felt very nostalgic. To finish the night off, Ellie Frankie left the night on a high note with powerful vocals in her acoustic performance.
YMCA Digital presents The Young Creatives Annual Showcase was at Rough Trade on Tuesday 8 December 2015.
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