Little Simz doesn’t openly display her emotions. However, tonight at the O2 Arena, she is clearly moved – in a moment when thousands of fans chant her name, she appears nearly overwhelmed, struggling to find the right words. This moment symbolizes genuine connection – Little Simz has worked tirelessly for this achievement, which stands as a testament to more than ten years of dedication.
With subtle references to her roots, such as a sign for North London’s Upper Street, the evening showcases the essence of Little Simz. Highlighting tracks from her remarkable ‘Lotus’ album, she also delves into her earlier work, delighting fans with treasured songs from her past.
Accompanied by a fantastic live band, tracks like ‘Enough’ and ‘Heart On Fire’ exhibit a vibrant energy. ‘Introvert’ is powerful, while the tribute to pirate radio, ‘101 FM’, sees Little Simz glowing, her smile as expansive as the London Eye.
Changing the pace, the middle section features a DJ segment – Simbi takes to the decks, revealing the often underappreciated club aspect of her music. It's incredibly enjoyable, getting the entire arena on their feet. While she is rightly recognized as a thoughtful artist, there’s also a delightful energy in her work, keeping Simz grounded in an electronic sound.
As the show returns to the live band format, the finale is filled with standout moments. ‘Selfish’ remains exquisite, ‘Free’ is notable, and ‘Miss Understood’ resonates with self-awareness. There are outstanding guest performances as well – Obongjayar lends his voice to ‘Point And Kill’ and ‘Lion’, Sampha enhances ‘Blue’ with his distinctive voice, and Wretch 32 and Cashh contribute to ‘Blood’. The admiration shown to Simz by her peers is evident.
At one point, the audience grows quiet as Little Simz shares her thoughts on the making of ‘Lotus’. This is her first album following the end of her collaboration with Inflo – a challenging process that has led to legal disputes with a childhood friend – and it’s clear she chooses her words carefully. This evening holds deep significance for her.
As she departs to thunderous applause, the bond between Little Simz and her fans is unmistakable. The O2 is where she experienced her emotional BRIT Award victory, famously inviting her mother onstage to share in that moment. Tonight, it feels like we are all part of the same family.
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Little Simz keeps her emotions in check. However, this evening at the O2 Arena, she finds herself overtaken by feelings – there’s a moment when