I cannot previously recall being in a room and feeling the level of positive energy Leicester-born R’n’B singer Mahalia exuded during her showstopping performance at Cardiff’s Tramshed. Before that’s though, there was an extra support-slot treat as Ruti, the opening performer, also enlightened the audience with her acoustic, authentic set.
Ruti Olajugbagbe, to give her full name, is most famous for appearing on The Voice in 2018 with none other than Sir Tom Jones as her mentor – and ending up winning that season, aged just 18. And what a pleasure it was, a few years on, to hear Ruti perform songs from her newest EP, including My Sunrise, Closer To You and Daylight.
The atmosphere was already heady, but the minute Mahalia entered the stage, all eyes were on her – and all ears on her flawless vocals. Not only is Mahalia Burkmar talented, but she puts so much warmth into her performance. She discusses personal anecdotes between songs, dually conveying a down-to-earth nature to her audience – a real-life person with real emotions – and elevating herself as a powerhouse performer.
She opened with an early single, 2017’s Sober, and subsequently meandered through some of her later, bigger songs. Notable selections include those from her newest EP: title track Letter To Ur Ex, Whatever Simon Says, and In The Club.
Mahalia’s second album Love And Compromise, from 2019, was showcased too: Simmer (featuring rapper Burna Boy on record, sadly not here), Do Not Disturb, I Wish I Missed My Ex and What You Did were all performed with confidence and charm. The Isolation Tapes EP, released as its title suggests in the midst of lockdown one, provided highlights in the form of Plastic Plants and BRB.
Indeed, it seems the past couple of years’ lockdowns have allowed Mahalia to focus on her music, and produce lyrics that are personal and relatable. At 24 years old, she speaks freely and openly about troubles in her life, from relationship breakdowns to friendship fallouts. Two years on, though, her stage felt so alive during the performance, the backing group constantly breaking out in smiles.
Tramshed, Cardiff, Tue 24 May
words MEGAN EVANS for BUZZ CULTURE photos JOHN EVANS
Read our interview with Mahalia below.
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