Latest news with #Chronixx
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sault review – GCSE-level drama performance borders on the pretentious
It's no surprise that Sault's All Points East performance is their first UK festival slot ever. An elaborate storyline, conveyed through GCSE-level acting and colossal set design, lands on the deaf ears of an audience who came to listen, not watch. External factors cause a rocky start. Their set time is changed at the last minute to 5pm, clashing with every other stage. As crowds reluctantly drag themselves to the East Stage, they wait until 6pm for anything to happen: a full hour of inactivity. Worse, Cleo Sol, Chronixx and Sault are billed as Providence, meant to perform until 11pm, holding audiences hostage without set times, clarity, or other stages to go to. A towering pyramid looms in the crowd, visually impressive but obscuring the main stage for many. Then an equivocal drama performance begins. As a collective, Sault revel in mystery: aside from Cleo Sol and Inflo, its members are anonymous. But the actors' dialogue is inaudible, and the audience grows restless. Finally, a traditional African choir opens before the collective launches into Glory and Free. The aesthetic – simultaneously Star Wars Tatooine futuristic and biblically ancient – looks polished, and fits with Sault's knack for blending classical and contemporary genres in their music. Standout moments include Warrior, with Chronixx joining on stage, Son Shine and Wildfires, perfect for London summer evenings. Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) also delivers a seamless guest verse on Stop Dem. For the rest of the show, the dancers appear to be the focus, but the visual impact is impaired by the massive pyramid. Hits like Masterpiece are diminished. Pray for Me and SOTH feel overly artistic, bordering on pretentious. Theatrics might work in an intimate venue, but for the festival crowd, the inaccessible themes feel alienating. After another awkward drama piece, Chronixx brings the evening back with a captivating reggae set. But things unravel when Bey returns for a surprise 30-minute set, spinning like a whirling dervish while questioning societal progress in his freestyles. Neighbours gently explain, 'This guy sang Ms Fat Booty.' When Cleo Sol finally appears at 10pm, she thanks the crowd 'for your patience'. Real name Cleopatra Nikolic, she looks pharaonic atop the pyramid with an ethereal voice, but by then, the crowd has thinned significantly. Spellbinding singing can't save Sault. The interstitial skits occupy nearly as much time as the performance, and the audience members strain to wrap their heads around something they shouldn't have to understand.
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Sault, Cleo Sol and Chronixx open All Points East with mammoth five-hour set
Mysterious neo soul band Sault and soul singer Cleo Sol were joined by reggae artist Chronixx as they opened London's All Points East festival with a mammoth five-hour set. Sault, whose members' names are kept secret, performed a set of their genre-bending music, which dips into funk, krautrock, dub reggae and experimental sounds. Advertisement Sol dipped in and out of the set while Chronixx, whose real name is Jamar McNaughton, performed a full set with his band. Speaking to the crowd during the performance, Sol, whose real name is Cleopatra Nikolic, said: 'All Points East, come on, we're going to have a good time tonight. 'You look so good, come on, energy.' The performance took place on two stages, with the main stage decked out like Star Wars' Tatooine, while a second platform was designed like a sci-fi pyramid. Advertisement The first 30 minutes was light on music as a story with biblical and sci-fi influence was acted out, before Sault opened with Glory from the 11 album. The story return at numerous points in the evening, with Sault performing some of their best known tracks including Wildfires and I Just Want To Dance, which began after breakdancers performed. US rapper Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, joined them for Stop Dem from Black Is, before re-emerging to perform later in the evening. Representatives from a number of local charities were later brought out to speak about their causes. Advertisement The evening finished with a solo performance from Sol, who debuted new music. It was only the second time the band has performed a conventional gig. Their first concert was at London's Drumsheds venue in 2023, when the band performed on a number of different stages, and fans walked through an immersive experience before the show began. The All Points East performance also comes after a pop-up in Soho, central London, at which the group performed to a small number of fans for a few minutes at a time, with reportedly five-hour queues stretching around the block to get in last month. Advertisement Since beginning their career in 2019, the band have released 12 albums and two EPs, all produced by Adele and Little Simz producer Inflo, real name Dean Cover, who is the husband of Sol and is thought to be the leader of Sault. Sol's solo career has seen her release four studio albums and feature on the Little Simz tracks Selfish and Woman. The Ladbroke Grove-born singer also rarely performs live. All Points East will continue with performances from the likes of Chase And Status on Saturday, Barry Can't Swim on August 22nd, and Raye, who will be joined by Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii, on August 23rd.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Cleo Sol at All Points East 2025 in London's Victoria Park: start time, last-minute tickets, potential setlist and what you need to know
As we crawl towards the end of festival season, sunburned, with sore backs, and even sorer bank accounts, don't throw in the towel just yet. Because there are several huge day festivals still to come in London. This weekend All Points East begins in Victoria Park. On Friday the east London festival is headlined by dreamy R&B singer Cleo Sol, who will be joined by the enigmatic Sault, alongside Chronixx, Nao and Ms Dynamite. Heading to 'Provenance' with Cleo and co? Here's everything you need to know about All Points East this Friday, from set times When is Cleo Sol playing All Points East? Cleo Sol headlines APE on Friday, August 15. What time do doors open? Gates to the Vicky park festival open at 2.30pm for general admission, and 2pm for Primary Entry, VIP Garden and VIP Garden + VIP Pit. Last entry is at 8.30pm for all ticket holders. What time will Cleo Sol come on stage? According to the APE app, the main stage performance by Cleo Sol, Sault and Chronixx will begin at 6pm. Full lineup and stage times X Stage Jordss B2B Karen Nyame KG: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Ms. Dynamite: 4.00pm – 4.30pm Joe Kay: 5.00pm – 6.00pm The Ordinary Stage 00ab: 2.40pm – 3.05pm Yves Jarvis: 3.35pm – 4.00pm Demae: 4.30pm – 5.00pm Safii Koii: 5.30pm – 6.00pm Amex Unsigned Stage Nia Wyn: 3.35pm – 4.00pm fliss: 4.30pm – 5.00pm Sabyna: 5.30pm – 6.00pm CUPRA North Arena CARI: 3.00pm – 3.30pm Mariah The Scientist: 4.00pm – 4.35pm Kirk Franklin: 5.05pm – 5.50pm West Stage Gotts Street Park: 3.00pm – 3.45pm Sasha Keable: 4.20pm – 4.50pm Nao: 5.20pm – 6.05pm East Stage Main Stage Performance by Cleo Sol / Sault / Chronixx: 6.00pm Festival map Don't get lost. Here's the full APE map for 2025: Find out more about getting to All Points East here. What's the setlist? There is no official setlist, and Sol is putting on a special show in collaboration with Sault and Chronixx so it's likely to be a surprise on the night. This is what Cleo Sol played at her last gig at Radio City in New York: Rewind Rose in the Dark When I'm in Your Arms Sideways I Love You There Will Be No Crying Things Will Get Better Young Love Shine (with Chronixx) Reason (with Chronixx) Don't Let Me Fall Promises Heart Full of Love Build Me Up Sunshine In Your Own Home Don't Let It Go to Your Head Fear When You Fly 23 Know That You Are Loved Self Life Will Be Encore: Why Don't You Can you still get tickets? Sure can. Cleo Sol tickets are still available online, with general admission currently going for £91.25. Find tickets on AXS here. Bag policy You won't be permitted to bring any bags larger than A4 (297mm x 210mm x 210mm) into the festival site. If your bag is too big, festival organisers suggest that you leave it at one of Stasher's nearby left luggage locations for £6 per day. Banned items Don't bring any of the following items to All Points East: Alcohol Dangerous or hazardous items Illegal substances or new psychoactive substances ('legal highs') Professional cameras, go-pros or video cameras Flags, banners or poles Golf umbrellas or parasols Gas canisters Glass (of any kind), Chinese lanterns, fire or fireworks Laser pens Skateboards or scooters Bicycles (cyclists may pass through the event site but must dismount) Selfie sticks Spray cans, air horns, klaxons, or similar Any other items deemed unsafe or a risk to public safety Read more about banned items at APE and the bag policy here. Weather forecast Don't forget the suncream. Friday is looking to be a scorcher in London, with blue skies and highs of 30C. Who else is headlining All Points East this summer? Chase & Status, Barry Can't Swim, RAYE and The Maccabees will headline APE across two weekends this August.
BBC News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Drones part of police measures for festival in Milton Keynes
A police service will use drones as part of increased security measures for an upcoming reggae Valley Police is expecting about 72,000 people to attend Reggae Land at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes this force also said it would make use of tactical bike units and other "security measures that you won't see".A man was stabbed at the same event last year. The force warned that roads and rail routes could be busier than usual and both visitors and residents should plan journeys in Chronixx, Capleton and Mavado are appearing at this year's event, which is dedicated to reggae and Caribbean Land was first hosted at the National Bowl in 2023, prior to that the venue hosted some of music's biggest names, including Michael Jackson, Queen and David Bowie. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yussef Dayes drums up pure magic in KL
THE lights dimmed at Vox Live on June 4 and five silhouettes appeared without a single word. No flashy intro. No over-the-top visuals. Just a stage, a kit, a few instruments and the spiritual heartbeat of jazz. What followed was "The Yussef Dayes Experience", a cosmic journey that proved why this South London drummer is hailed as one of jazz's most innovative forces who turned the venue into a temple of groove. Starting at 8.15pm, Dayes and his band flowed into a cosmic jam that swept the room into something bigger than music itself. For Malaysian fans who caught his otherworldly 2022 REXKL performance, this wasn't just a concert but a religious experience. FIVE MUSICIANS, ONE SOUL With him on stage were his stellar bandmates: Rocco Palladino (son of session legend Pino Palladino) on bass, Malik Venna on saxophone, Elijah Fox on keyboards, and Alexander Bourt on percussion. Each brought not just technical brilliance, but also soul. Venna, blew out saxophone lines with effortless swagger, Fox, in his printed trousers and a Palestinian football jersey, lit up the stage with keys that ranged from spacey ambient pads to gospel-like sounds. Palladino's basslines resonated so deep you could feel them in your bones. The percussive call-and-response between Dayes and Bourt was especially wild, two drummers speaking their own language, escalating until the crowd couldn't help but holler back. MODERN JAZZ LEGEND For those unfamiliar with Dayes' backstory, born and raised in South East London, he first gained prominence as half of the acclaimed duo Yussef Kamaal, whose 2016 debut album 'Black Focus' helped usher in the UK jazz scene. Fusing broken beats with funk, jungle, grime, Afrobeat and spiritual jazz, the duo became a cult phenomenon. Since going solo, Dayes has collaborated with everyone from Tom Misch (What Kinda Music, 2020) to Alfa Mist and Kamasi Washington. But his debut solo release from 2023, the magnum opus 'Black Classical Music' which featured collaborations with Chronixx, Masego and Shabaka Hutchings, truly cemented his place among jazz greats. The album, described by critics as "a love letter to rhythm, heritage and resistance," offers a lush, fearless reimagining of what jazz can be in the 21st century. FIRST-TIMERS TURNED BELIEVERS The audience, a blend of long-time fans and the curious uninitiated, soaked in every note like it was gospel. "I didn't even know who Yussef Dayes was before this," admitted first-time listener Jofintha Canto. "But it felt like I was enveloped in something that transcended entertainment. Music that could pierce through time." Rudi Bagan, still dazed after the show, said, "It was crazy. My first proper live jazz band show and it was amazing. I can't get over it." People weren't just watching, they were absorbed in the music. Some closed their eyes the entire set, as if in prayer. The vibe was electric yet intimate, though some fans noted the awkward VIP and General Admission divide. After the show, Dayes and his band stayed back after the show mingling, signing autographs, posing for selfies and chatting like old friends. There were no handlers, no air of celebrity, just musicians grateful to connect. A NEW CHAPTER AHEAD Before leaving the stage, Dayes dropped one last surprise: a new release is on the way this September. No title was announced, but based on the sonic journey fans were taken on, the anticipation is already building. Dayes has always blurred the lines between drummer, composer, healer and storyteller. With projects like 'Live at Joshua Tree' and 'Live From Malibu', now with 'Black Classical Music', he's redefined what jazz can mean for a new generation. For now, 'The Yussef Dayes Experience' lives on in memory, a storm that rolled through Kuala Lumpur and left its mark. As one fan summed it up while leaving the venue: "That was a good, healthy concert to have on a weekday. It was healing." Yussef Dayes' album "Black Classical Music" is available on major music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
