BY JOY BROOKS GILZEANE
Day one of All Points East boasted an electric atmosphere full of stylish festival goers gathered in leafy Victoria Park. Kicking off the event with sounds from across the globe, BBC radio 6 transported listeners to South Africa, with the freshest Amapiano beats. Fans blew into colourful whistles, celebrating the homegrown sounds of UK Garage from the likes of Sweet Female Attitude to Nia Archives’ jungle remix of Jorja Smith’s smash hit ‘Little Things’. From the outset, it was evident that All Points East promised a memorable opening day for lovers of pop, hip hop, R&B and dance anthems.
Global superstars Tems, Victoria Monet, Thundercat and Channel Tres captivated their audiences with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the support received on UK soil. The range of musical genres was the perfect example of diversity and exposed the crowds to new music.
Headliner Kaytranada, a Haitian-Canadian producer and DJ known for his distinctive blend of House, EDM, hip-hop and r&b proved to be the highlight of the event. Vivid eclectic images bounced around on screens surrounding the DJ, as he played songs such as ‘At all’, ‘Alright’ and the infamous ‘Be Your Girl’. Channel Tres jumped on stage to perform ‘Drip Sweat’ with Kaytranada as they looked out into the crowd bustling with moving bodies and an electric energy.
The things that divide us are not as important as those that unite us
Saturday at All Points East was the ultimate congregation of UK artists, who throughout their careers have given their flowers to the communities that raised and fostered their musical talent. Among these, are Nubya Garcia, hailing from Camden and drawing from sounds of the diaspora through the sultry tone of her saxophone. Teasing her upcoming album, Garcia gave an exclusive performance of the song Clarity. In between sets, an array of food and vendors kept festival goers hydrated. Attendees picked between Middle Eastern, North and West African, Caribbean and fusion cuisines.
South London raised singer-songwriter Enny credited her upbringing in London as central to her artistry. Advocating against gentrification, it was clear from the outset that community and music go hand in hand. Following Enny, the Ezra Collective drummer and frontman Femi Koleoso emotionally reflected on the social and political environment, pointedly stating “the things that divide us are not as important as the things that unite.” Ezra Collective’s sole wish for the crowd to dance with their peers was met with enthusiasm as a quasi spiritual energy took over.
By far, the pinnacle of the night was surely Loyle Carner’s poignant headliner set. Carner shared the stage with Jordan Rakei, and fan favourite Tom Misch, who strummed his guitar in awe of the crowd belting the lyrics to the pair’s prolific song ‘Angel’. For a moment, the crowd was stunned into silence as Guyanese poet John Agard performed his seminal poem titled Half Caste, followed by joint track Georgetown which is an ode to Carner’s Guyanese heritage. The merging of poetry and soulful rap was the perfect end to Loyle Carner’s headline set, against the backdrop of fireworks in the night sky.
A Sunday of Indie Bliss
Sunday at All Points East was a haven for alternative indie enthusiasts, with a line-up that read like a dream for any music lover who thrives on the unconventional and the emotionally resonant. Set against the backdrop of Victoria Park, the day was filled with sunshine, delicious bites from an array of food vendors, and, most importantly, some of the most compelling music in the scene right now.
The festival was a sonic journey, but a few performances truly soared above the rest. TV Girl’s set was a chilled-out vibe fest, perfectly aligning with the sun-soaked atmosphere. Their smooth, lo-fi soundscapes created an aura of effortless cool, turning the entire crowd into a chorus. Singing along to their hits felt less like a concert and more like a shared moment of collective joy, the kind that festivals are made for.
But the day’s crown jewel was undoubtedly Mitski. As the headliner, she delivered a performance that was nothing short of transcendent. Her voice, a blend of raw power and delicate emotion, cut through the evening air, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present. Mitski’s stage presence was magnetic—her ability to channel vulnerability and strength simultaneously made her performance not just a show, but an experience. Every note, every movement, seemed to resonate with the crowd on a deeply personal level, solidifying her place as one of the most captivating artists of our time.
In a day filled with great music, sunshine, and good vibes, Mitski’s set was the emotional crescendo, a reminder of the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire. All Points East proved once again that it’s not just a festival, but a celebration of artistry, community, and the shared love of music that speaks to the soul.
All Points East Festival 16th-25th August 2024
Victoria Park, Grove Road E3
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