neosoul

Signed when she was just 13, Leicester-born singer-songwriter Mahalia Burkmar has had a meandering journey to R&B stardom. Breaking through with 2017’s head-nodding single Sober, she has gone on to develop a distinctive brand of neo-soul blended with defiant lyrics, producing hits such as I Wish I Missed My Ex from her 2019 debut album Love & Compromise, as well as lending her silken vocals to guest verses with rappers Pa Salieu, Stormzy and Ty Dolla $ign. Having won two Mobo awards and been nominated for a Grammy…

Cleo Sol is visibly comfortable, swiftly disposing of some large hoop earrings during opener Young Love. This is her first headline show in London, a surprising fact given she has already released two critically acclaimed albums, Rose in the Dark and Mother, along with her work as a vocalist with Mercury prize-nominated avant-soul outfit Sault – and also surprising given that she turns out to be such a natural live performer.Leading a choreographed sway during this opening song, Sol is casual and affable, as if she knows…