Three under-the-radar artists, IBEYI, PORIJ and OBONGJAYAR championed by BBC 6 Music came to the Welsh capital to warm up the crowd at the start of the festival weekend. They faced fierce competition on the night, which was headlined by Little Simz at St David’s Hall and musical giants Pixies playing just downstairs. The venue was not ideal either: Y Plas is a flexible space within Cardiff’s student union, typically packed out with inebriated teenagers dancing to pop music on sticky floors.
In contrast, the artists on the bill for this event attracted a crowd of discerning adults who were generally friendly and mild-mannered, there to chat with friends and discover new music. It was tempting to wonder if the gig would have been better suited in one of Cardiff’s dedicated music venues, such as Clwb Ifor Bach, where the sound system is designed for live sets. But each band held their own and the crowd was rewarded with energetic, varied performances.
The evening began with the Ivor-Novello-winning Obongjayar, who appeared on Little Simz’ incredible 2021 album and performed with her on Point And Kill during her later performance across town. Obongjayar – Steven Umoh – had total command of the stage and performed in an understated yet convincing way, his distinctive gravelly vocals at the forefront. The influence of afrobeats made for a bouncy crowd, captivated by Obongjayar’s own angular movements, especially during Soldier Ant. Having released new single Tinko Tonko just last week, and with his second album out next month, expect to see Obongjayar go from strength to strength.
Fresh-faced Porij were up next: a band who met through university a few years back and seem genuinely astonished to be performing for the BBC. Vocalist Eggsy had an infectious smile and it was clear how happy they were to be there, expressing gratitude to the station and to Chris Hawkins in particular. Despite having just a few EPs to their name so far, the band are surprisingly polished, no doubt due to their background at the Royal Northern College Of Music. Their dreamy electropop worked well in a live setting – it’s easy to imagine these tracks being played on sunny afternoons under canvas across the festival circuit.
Performing their first show in three years, the twin sisters of Ibeyi (the name means “twins” in Yoruba) were clearly pleased to be back and their bond was laid bare for all to enjoy. The crowd were bewitched by slower songs such as Oya, which saw Lisa Kaindé Diaz building her vocals at the piano, whilst sibling Naomi was most at home behind the cajon. But the most entrancing moments saw the sisters harmonising with each other and laughing and dancing in unison.
Their performance was brought to a euphoric close with new single Sister 2 Sister, followed immediately by their biggest single, River. Having collaborated with Jorja Smith on their latest track, and proving that they really shine as live performers even after time away, Friday’s appearance in Cardiff certainly marks the start of new heights for Ibeyi.
Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union, Fri 1 Apr
words ROSANNA LEWIS photos TIM ALBAN
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