Brockwell Park was a riot of colour, festival beats and tasty African & Caribbean food last bank Holiday Monday, as lovers of reggae, afrobeat and dancehall, from toddlers to old timers, flocked to South London for the one-day City Splash Festival, which brought some hot carnival vibes – and yes, even a little late May sunshine.
The headline acts Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea & Skillibeng were seriously impressive – but one of the highlights for Conch Africa was the dynamo afternoon performance by stunning Nigerian afrobeats singer Ayra Starr
She soon had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand, as she delivered up hits like Rush, Away and Bloody Samaritan with her inimitable energy, and audience participation on tracks like Sability.
This Mavin Records artist began singing covers online, but after releasing her 2021 debut EP including the breakout hit Away, she has proven her chops beyond her sexy, scantily dressed image (she began in modelling), and become one of the biggest female stars on the ever-expanding – and highly competitive – afrobeat scene. Her electric performance at City Splash proved it.
Rising Ghanaian R&B and afro-fusion star Gyakie, over on the Pull Up stage
Gyakie gave us another performance of real note. Daughter of High Life legend Nana Scheampong, the 23-year-old brought a more laidback vibe to proceedings, in a diverse set which included a soulful cover of Marley’s Redemption Song, Need Me and Forever (her 2021 hit, also remixed with afrobeat star Omah Lay).
Back over on the main stage, Jamaican singer Koffee had a packed crowd watching her sing hits like Toast, from her EP Rapture – and they weren’t disappointed. Her slick performance and insatiable energy reminded us exactly why she became a Grammy award-winner (she has two gongs now) aged just 19, for Rapture, making Koffee the youngest person and only woman to be awarded in the Best Reggae Album category.
But beyond the impressive line-up, City Splash wins for the atmosphere and the culture – coloured flags rippling in the wind and DJs like Zimbabwe’s Uncle Waffles whipping up the crowd with Amapiano drills and sounds, as your only pressing decision is whether to go for jerk chicken or suya in between your favourite artists’ sets…
Positive vibes abound, as festival goers let their hair down and foodies salivated over the 60-plus street food traders on site. There is something lovely about the age range and inclusivity of this event, too – it was lovely to see groups of friends enjoying the tunes. as well as families with little ones (kids under 10 go free here).
Missed this year’s party? Don’t worry, it will be back in 2024. Meanwhile, whet your appetite and take a look at the fun had this year at www.city-splash.com.
Photos from Frozen_Energy Photography
Hariku Designs…
Mangrove Steel Band.
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