REVIEW: THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO PUT ON A FESTIVAL
Being the first of its kind, it was hard to know what to expect going into Stormzy’s ‘This Is What We Mean’ Day. But in the end, the work spoke for itself.
Credit: Cameron Spencer-Smith
Developing artists such as Amaria BB and JayO opened the day, making it clear that platforming budding talent was the focus as they set both the pace and expectations high for the rest of the day.
At the BBC 6 Music stage, DJs maintained a high-energy atmosphere throughout the day, captivating the crowd from dawn till dusk. A true standout was Jordss, who masterfully displayed her artistry through seamless transitions between pop, amapiano, and funky house. Positioned near the entrance, her skillful mixing generated an irresistible vibe that even resonated with those just passing by.
Despite being smaller collectives, Dankie Sounds (Cupra North Arena Stage) and No Signal (E3 stage) did not struggle to compete with the festival giants. Boasting a commanding presence, all sets between these two event brands undeniably invigorated the audience. Attendees eagerly showcased their excitement in any way they could express it, ranging from an excitable two-step to intricate levels of azonto-ing.
Similarly, West London’s favourite trio did not disappoint. With a powerful aura and distinctively interactive crowd work, WSTRN’s authenticity shone through their set. Playing singles from across their discography, fans who have supported the trio in every stage of their musical career were catered to.
Though there was no one mood throughout, greater genre exploration across the artists performing would have further elevated the festival. Not solely for variations sake, but to celebrate Black music’s kaleidoscopic nature. That being said, on the West Stage, Sampha offered an ethereal balance to the ambience. Calm, yet powerful, his angelic voice softened the mood as we headed towards the last chapter of the day. In parallel, Kehlani offered sultry captivation, with both her vocals and all-woman band (!) engaging flirtatiously with the audience through her 60-minute set.
Credit: Cameron Spencer-Smith
As grey and rainy clouds descended, headliner Stormzy and his all-Black, brown-clad band graced the stage. Opening his set with ‘Fire + Water’, the crowd erupted. Whilst he led with tracks from his ‘This Is What I Mean’ album, he was still sure to cover fan favourites (‘Own It’, ‘Big For Your Boots’, ‘Clash’) as well as classics (‘Shut Up’, ‘Know Me From’) and newer hits (‘The Weekend’). Highlights included the covering of feature singles by his outstanding backing vocalists, as well as blossoming artists Debbie and Bailey, who soulfully supported singles including ‘Rainfall’ and ‘Sampha’s Plea’.
In an almost-biblical moment where a dramatic downpour of rain occurred as he shouted “Let the rain fall on my enemies”, Stormzy set himself apart as a giant in the UK’s music scene. Taking full use of the space, his engagement with the audience felt personalised, positively converting even the most reluctant to his fans. Although the poor weather made itself felt in a major way as the night edged towards the end, Stormzy was unperturbed, maintaining charisma and zestfulness throughout.
A true celebration of the growing talent within Black music, ‘This Is What We Mean’ day was one to remember. While it was not completely free of technical issues, these were insignificant in the face of the raw talent displayed in an event that was ultimately the first of its kind.
It’s hoped that this day is the start of something even greater, and in future, the platforming of alternative Black sounds would be received favourably. As the underlying force behind this event, All Points East is still a newcomer among established festivals, still actively moulding its distinct identity. If this is an indication of where it plans to go, it is safely heading in the right direction.
