Mahalia

Mahalia

Mar 25

PROUD OF HER

Where: King Tut’s
When: 22 March 2018
Support: Iyamah

First up tonight was Iyamah who was a wonderful surprise – soulful and sophisticated, echoes of Sade (and others have noted Lauryn Hill) but very much her own artist; with good support from her guitarist. One to look out for in the future.

Mahalia was also only supported by a guitarist, and occasionally some beats, but her personality and energy filled up the stage and the whole of King Tut’s. She has an effortless casualness and her between songs banter sounds like she is just chatting to her mates (like a younger, female, hipper Guy Garvey) that helps bring the audience in, you want to be her friend. Her Leicester roots, the boy who has bounced in and out of her life and a vibrant confidence all informed her take on pop infused R&B – none sweeter, or with funnier introduction, than her young adolescent written ‘Marry Me’ (which sent said boy scurrying away); but see the more mature ‘Sober’ (below) for a better reflection of where she is heading.

She has already toured with Ed Sheeran and Emili Sandé and 2018 has been touted as her breakthrough year. That King Tut’s was only about two-thirds full might suggest that she may still have a way to go to become the next UK R&B star but then again she surely sent everyone away with positive vibes which they will pass on to their friends which should ensure that the next solo tour is bigger – the trick will be for her to hold on to the friendly intimacy that is the cornerstone of her USP.

Band page

Sample video