
Written by Tosin Adeniji
Entering the Rhythm Factory just after sunset last Thursday, it was clear there was an anticipation for the long awaited Remedy Night. As old friends and twitter friends mingled and got chatting, it felt like a family was reunited. The pressure was on but as expected the Remedy team delivered and then some.
Kicking off with soulful charmer Wilson with his powerhouse vocals, he immediately captured the crowd. His Anthony Hamilton-esque sound got the mood going and his ode to his mother was nothing less than sweet. Yep, he got the ladies with that one!
Beginner in the game, Sharika Medla really held her own and is a great addition to the Remedy family. I am sure we are going to see more of her on the scene soon.
The multi talented, multi shocking, word smith Dean Atta, pushed the crowd with edgy lyrics. The cool beat of the band backing him also gave his spoken words that something extra, providing a few gasps and laughs throughout.
Paving the way for the giant that is XO Man. One of my personal favourites of the night, got everyone jumping and on their feet. His punchy lyrics and crispness of the beat made it almost feel like the middle of a festival, rather than late at night in the heart of East London.
Remedy veteran, Kaana Ellie ripped the stage and gave us that power we so love. Totally under rated in my opinion but any doubters left in the venue, she definitely won them over last night. Her performance of ‘Traffic’ live, turns most to convert straightaway.
Lastly, the man of the moment, Ed Sheeran took to the stage for the first (and possibly last time) with a live band. After years of riding solo with a loop pedal in hand, who better to take to the stage with, than The Remedies. Seeing Ed Sheeran perform before, I was apprehensive as to how he would deliver with a band. Any queries were crushed. The band added to the magic and reworked with reggae drum beats and saxophone additions, taking the well loved tracks to new heights. His heartwarming cover executed with such conviction and soul once again assured me this guy is going far and quickly. Highlight of the night was the free for all (literally) for MCs in the crowd to add their verse to a 20 minute long version of his underground hit ‘You Need Me’. The night ended in the same family vibe we began the night with, as Ed jumped off the stage, sang his last piece with no mic, no band, in the middle of the crowd.
The night was left with just the music and us.
Watch:
Note: Tosin (our newest contributor) wrote this review last weekend, I messed up and only just now posted it. My bad.