The night before the release of his new tantalising single ‘Appetiser’ featuring UK-based artist Antigoni JyellowL marked an incredible year and the single launch with an intimate invite-only show in association with audiomack in The Workman’s Club. His critically acclaimed debut album ‘2020 D|vision’ was nominated for Irish album of the year 2020 at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Awards and debuted at number two on the official iTunes album charts as well as number 1 in the hip hop category and the best way to celebrate these achievements was a blistering performance ( with special guests ) displaying a diverse array of the artist’s phenomenal tunes.
Paro Pablo and JR took the task of warming up the crowd in their stride. They beckoned the audience to the front of the stage and boosted the JyellowL morale by getting the crowd to chant with them, “when I say Jyellow you say … L”. Their performance as a whole was an energetic and at times, emotional rollercoaster as they rapidly rolled out lyrics about abuse and heartbreak with frantic stamina. With hip hop tunes that packed a punch, Paro Pablo and JR got the audience energised and ready for JyellowL.
As the chants for JyellowL resounded throughout the venue (provoked by Dendo), the artist emerged on stage to a mass of cheers. A JyellowL show is an experience. The artists’ songs are more zestful, vivacious and fiery live and his larger than life persona and charismatic stage presence had the crowd immediately enamoured. He moved with ease through his diverse array of tunes that included an intense rendition of 2018’s ‘Medusa’ and immersive tunes from the artists’ spectacular debut album ‘2020 D|vision’. JyellowL was in top form on the night, slickly wrapping his tongue around his agile lyrical flows without fault. The crowd lapped up the energy in the room, bouncing off the heavy hip hop vibe while bopping and dancing to the lighter feel-good tunes such as the heavily requested ‘Oh Lawd’. Filled with catchy bars and heavy hip hop fused with R&B, the set was a clean sweep of knock out tunes from start to finish. ‘Ozone’ in particular was jaw-dropping live. The crowd shouted back the lyrics as JyellowL danced on stage – it was a magnificent and jubilant moment in the show.
JyellowL knows that a live show is as much about the spectacle and occasion as it is the music and he delivered on this front too – with an array of special guests, there was no shortage of talent on stage and we even got an appearance from the music master (and ‘2020 D|Vision’s producer) Chris Kabs. With plenty of encouraging crowd interaction from sing-alongs to arm waving and synchronised clapping, JyellowL had the audience gleefully doing his every bidding for the glorious reward of a few unheard tunes and boy! it was worth it. All I’ll say for now is, JyellowL has some pretty sleek gems on the way.
The party atmosphere was enhanced by a glorious version of his recent single ‘See Me Finish’ which had the floor of The Workmans bouncing and bending under the weight of the crowd as they danced to the tracks afrobeat, sweet synth embellishments and electronic dance sound. The track is more kinetic and vibrant within the live setting as is the new single ‘Appetiser’. Performed without the beautiful Antigoni, JyellowL showcased a dynamic and powerful version of this sultry tune that oozed lush hooks and velvety vocals from JyellowL. It was a time-stopping moment on the night.
JyellowL’s intimate show was every bit the crowning triumph. He blew the roof off The Workmans with an unrivalled performance that gave a keyhole glimpse into the sky-scraping future of this artist. His fluidly-evolving raps teamed with textured soundscapes and tight production makes him an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.
Author: Danu
