ASHANTI
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union
Thurs 30 Jan
Since attaining instant stellar status in 2002, with a self-titled debut album preceded by spots on Fat Joe and Ja Rule singles, many of Ashanti’s instantly-recognisable hits, from Foolish to Rain On Me, have amassed both critical and commercial success. The remainder of the previous decade saw Ashanti asserted herself as a dominating presence in American r’n’b.
But becoming the first female artist to occupy the top two positions on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart isn’t, unsurprisingly, the only time Ashanti has made a memorable impression in the industry. The music video for Rock Wit U (Awww Baby), from her platinum album Chapter II, features Ashanti, bikini-clad and riding an elephant across a beach.
Whilst there might not be any live animals stampeding their way to The Great Hall this January, Ashanti’s 2020 UK tour will see her returning to her r’n’b roots to perform her most iconic hits. Joined on this stint by two more r’n’b stalwarts – Ginuwine, eternally remembered for 90s smash Pony, and multi-discipline entertainer Mario – expecting this performance to be anything but typically unforgettable would be… foolish.
Tickets: £29.50. Info: 029 2078 1458 / www.cardiffstudents.com (TB)