Saturday nights in Nottingham are always the highlight of the week, and Stormzy’s packed out show at Rock City exceeded any expectations of a good night out.
Before the show started, DJ Rachel Anson warmed up the energy crew, providing an hour of some of grimes greatest hits, from old school Meridian Dan all the way through to Drake and Giggs. By the time Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, was due on stage, the crowd were already stretched out and raring to go.
Opening with ‘First things first”, Omari showed the crowd the side of him that we all know and love; rapid, energetic and powerful. Perhaps one of the most pleasantly surprising things about his debut release was the sheer amount of slow ballads. Whilst most people were slightly apprehensive about how these songs would work into such an energetic set, it was almost refreshing to have a break from the fast paced, intense set to appreciate the slower songs, which are equally as impressive live.
Songs such as ‘Velvet’, ‘Cigarettes & Kush’, and the ever so beautiful ‘Blinded By Your Grace’ were well received, with members of the crowd singing along, and some even wiping away a tear. Rest assured however, Omari knew what the crowd wanted, and stepped off his high stool, proclaiming ‘that’s enough of that, lets go’, before continuing to perform his well known tracks such as “Shut Up” and “Big For Your Boots”
“Know Me From” was the sure highlight of the night. Mixing his infamous track with Rebound X’s “Rhythm and Gash” was the perfect parting gift from Omari. In fact, the track was so well received, that with an extra five minutes until curfew, he came back onto the stage to perform it for a second time.
It is almost unprecedented that an artist who released their debut album on their own independent label has the potential to sell out a venue such as Rock City, even more so a grime artist. Stormzy proved that he’s worthy of Rock City, and who knows; next time we see him could be at the Arena.
By Aimee Lindley
