All Points East Festival: A Spotlight on Unity in Music
The All Points East Festival, which has become a hallmark of London’s vibrant music scene since its inception in 2018, kicked off its latest edition with a resounding first weekend from August 21 to 23. Held in Victoria Park, this festival has continually set a high standard by blending global A-list acts with emerging talents, offering audiences an eclectic mix of genres and sounds. The first weekend of this year’s festival featured a Friday line-up curated by the illustrious Jorja Smith, moving into a Saturday that exclusively celebrated female talent across electronic, dance, and pop, with the captivating Lorde headlining the evening.
- All Points East Festival: A Spotlight on Unity in Music
- Curated Sounds: Jorja Smith’s Vision
- Odeal: Commanding the Stage
- African Stars on the Rise: Tems and Ayra Starr
- PinkPantheress: Embracing Intimacy in Performance
- A Thread Through Genres: The Rise of Dance Music
- A Festival of Music, Culture, and Audience Engagement
Curated Sounds: Jorja Smith’s Vision
The Friday night line-up, guided by Jorja Smith and her FAMM label, was a testament to the evolving music landscape. The atmosphere electrified with R&B, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, underscoring the growing significance of dance and electronic music at festivals. Smith took the stage, paying homage to the roots of UK funky by bringing out guest artists like Kyla, who performed her iconic track “Do You Mind.” The audience experienced a nostalgic moment when Katy B joined Smith for “Katy On A Mission,” with fans recalling Smith’s teenage cover of the very same track.
AJ Tracey made a notable appearance during Smith’s set, performing “Ladbroke Grove,” a song produced by Conducta and steeped in UK garage sounds. These nostalgic moments were complemented by the vibrant energy driven by collaborations with artists like Nia Archives on “Get Me Down” and Odeal on “Coming Home,” showcasing a modern blend of Afrohouse influences.
Odeal: Commanding the Stage
Early in the day, the rising star Odeal mesmerized the audience with an impressive set. He opened with the classic house anthem, Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman,” before transitioning into “Bluey Vuitton,” setting a strong tone for his act. The crowd was thoroughly engaged as they sang along to his hit “After The Club,” which has sparked discussions about its sound, most notably its influence from Craig David’s “7 Days.” Odeal’s magnetic presence and vocal precision affirmed his growing comfort on stage, establishing him as a formidable new talent within the festival’s lineup.
African Stars on the Rise: Tems and Ayra Starr
The spotlight on African artists continued with performances by Nigerian superstars Tems and Ayra Starr, reflecting the current wave of Africa’s musical influence. Tems dominated the East Stage, delivering powerful renditions of “Damages,” “Essence,” and the electrifying “Love Me JeJe,” perfectly complemented by the enchanting backdrop of a sunset. Her surprise duet with UK rap star Dave on their collaboration “Raindance” heightened the collective excitement.
Simultaneously, Ayra Starr captivated the crowd at the North Arena, a lineup curated by the UK-based Recess brand. Despite logistical challenges, the overwhelming audience filling the tent for Starr’s performance was a clear testament to her rising stardom. This overflow illustrated her expanding fan base, particularly following the release of her third studio album, demanding bigger venues to accommodate her growing popularity.
PinkPantheress: Embracing Intimacy in Performance
The following day, PinkPantheress also drew massive crowds as she took the stage, creating a visual spectacle of fans encircling the perimeter to catch a glimpse of her performance. Despite her preference for intimate environments, the festival setting became a canvas for her unique style, resonating with her audience in a distinctly electric manner. The excitement around her capture a pivotal moment where expectations met her artistry head-on.
A Thread Through Genres: The Rise of Dance Music
Throughout the weekend, the pulsating energy of dance music emerged as a central theme, intertwined with various genres. From Uncle Waffles’ energized set to the resonating echoes of UK funky music spread throughout Victoria Park, there was a newfound appreciation for dance influences that permeated the festival. Electronic music, with its rapid rise in global consumption, has become a key player in shaping the music landscape, as evidenced by the intertwining of house with R&B and Afrobeats.
The festival brilliantly illustrated how these genres can coexist, with performances like Ayra Starr’s bouyon-inspired collaboration with Congolese artist Theodora symbolizing cultural fusion that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Dance music was not merely an additional act on the agenda; it acted as a unifying thread, reflecting a transformative moment in global pop music where barriers dissolve and cultural exchange thrives.
A Festival of Music, Culture, and Audience Engagement
All Points East captured the essence of a music festival that celebrates the myriad directions of music today. It showcased how audiences engage with diverse genres, reflecting a global narrative sculpted not by geographical constraints but by shared rhythms and sounds. Each act brought a vital energy, emphasizing the festival as a vibrant hub of musical exploration and cultural dialogue.
The festival’s achievements during its opening weekend suggest a bright future ahead, fueled by the continued engagement with innovative artists and the foreseeable evolution of the global music landscape.
