RUFUS MUFASA | LIVE REVIEW
*****
The Moon Club, Cardiff
Tues 16 Jan
This writer attended the launch of Rufus Mufasa’ debut album in Swansea, and was bowled over by her brilliance, vivacity, and verve. So, when the singer, songwriter, poet, and hip-hop artist told us that the second date of the launch tour was in Cardiff, I went along knowing that Mufasa would, once again, be amazing, whilst hoping that, same as in Swansea, her support acts would also dazzle.
It was not a disappointment. A full bill was reflected by a full house, despite it being both rainy and a school night – testimony not just to Mufasa’s personal popularity, but also the quality of her album, Fur Coats From the Lion’s Den, which was listed as a highlight of 2017 by Adam Walton on his BBC Radio Wales show. Mufasa is keen to mention the multiplicity of acts who supported her at this event, but there is not enough room here to do so at length. Support acts included on the night were Beatbox Tangent; Mark Curtis; Fran Smith; Swansea rapper Craze The Jack; Chew; Jordan Da Cruz; Steve Andrew, a.k.a. the Bard of Ely; Bel Blue, accompanied by Kevs Ford and Andy Constable; Francesca Murphy; Jamey P (who is also Mufasa’s partner and producer, her fellow Dope Biscuits honcho, and here provided an excellent solo set as well as accompanying Rufus); and Wounded Healers, made up of DJ Wowsa, EnBe, and Twammers.
The performers were routinely so enjoyable that it’s impossible to pick individuals out. However, one thing that really stood out was how well all these diverse acts blended together – each one fitted in with/seemed to respond to Mufasa’s work, whether by long-standing association and shared themes, or by considering Mufasa’s own themes, and respecting these, her, and her invitation to perform. This blend was further reinforced by the fact that some artists assisted/collaborated with others unexpectedly on the night. The whole atmosphere was one of community and cooperation; of sharing, celebrating, and coming together to create, commune, and enjoy.
Mufasa’s own set was as to be expected: vibrant, socially aware songs, full of heart and craft, her voice on a par with Amy Winehouse, as powerful and dextrous as any jazz vocalist, but with a style and substance all of her own. The singer was brilliantly accompanied by the talented Jamey P. Spoken word was an important part of Mufasa’s set, too, adding a sense of urgency and visceral honesty to the rhythmic, rollicking tunes. Particular favourites are Daughters of Dylan, written for International Dylan Thomas Day, a song which encourages women and humans everywhere not to ‘go gentle’, and Buffalo Funk, which is catchy, groovy, and had the whole room dancing ecstatically. Mufasa’s set was accompanied at one point by two talented hip hop dancers, Rachel Pedley and Tommy Boost of Avant Cymru, who added their fluid moves and breakdancing to the music.
In all, this was a brilliant night, organised by a brilliant artist, and I’m sure that Rufus Mufasa will go on to make her name with this album, with her music, and with her magical ability to (as one punter said on the night) “bring many worlds together”. Be sure to make one of the further dates on this tour – it will be one of the best, most inspiring, nights out of your life.
words Mab Jones