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It’s a rare occasion to see GRAMMY Winners in Camden Town, but this weekend is an exception as New York’s Leon Thomas performs at KOKO London for two sold-out shows. The eager fans lining up as the doors opened hinted at the call-and-response atmosphere that Thomas would later enjoy.
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Celebrating the release of his latest album ‘MUTT’, he has made a significant shift to the forefront of the genre. Although the SZA ‘Snooze’ songwriter is familiar with solo music, he is currently experiencing a notable moment with this project leading the way.
Thomas bursts onto the stage in an electrifying manner, kicking off the evening with ‘HOW FAST’, an exhilarating track that sets the tone. Rather than reserving his hits for the end, he swiftly moves through several fan favorites – ‘SAFE PLACE’ followed by ‘Slow Down’ leads into a sultry mash-up of ‘YES IT IS’ and Floetry’s ‘Say Yes’. His breakout track ‘MUTT’ ignites the audience, the recognisable beat prompting loud cheers as he delivers an impeccable performance. With his electric guitar in hand, he shifts into ‘VIBES DONT LIE’, skillfully juggling vocals and instrumentation like a seasoned performer.
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As the drummer intensifies the rhythm, the crowd is treated to punchy drops and an unreleased track that highlights his versatility. In a controversial move, he invites Stormzy onto the stage, which receives a mixed response from the audience due to ongoing discussions about the rapper. However, the energy picks up again as Leon Thomas showcases an astonishing drum solo before concluding with the powerful ballad ‘Sneak’.
Encores quickly lead to his return for ‘Treasure In The Hills’. With a minimalist stage, a few talented musicians, and a display of remarkable musical skill, this performance felt like a rare find. At this level of artistry, it’s hard to envision being able to see him in such an intimate setting this time next year.
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Words: Shanté Collier-McDermott
Photography: Connie Burke
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It's rare to see GRAMMY Winners in Camden Town, but this weekend is an exception as New York's Leon Thomas performs at KOKO London for two shows.