Live Review: Little Simz - O2 Academy, Glasgow 07/11/2023
When Little Simz proclaimed, “Glasgow, I want you to know that you’re witnessing greatness right now,” at her sold-out November 7th show, we knew very well it wasn’t coming from a place of arrogance.
Watching an artist of such magnitude, at the top of their game, up close at the humble Glasgow O2 Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Adorned in baggy grey trousers, an oversized white shirt, classic bomber and chunky Dad tie, Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo bounded through the first half of the set on stage solo. Did she stutter? Not once. Her impassioned, clear vocals, genre-defying production, and soaring stage presence mere platforms for the profound artistry of her lyrics. It’s no exaggeration to profess that this is one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. And yes, it’s time to drop the ‘female.’
If she had “mastered her flow like Busta and Kano” with 2019’s ‘Grey Matter,’ it’s fair to say Simz has transcended. Opening triumphantly with ‘Silhouette’ and ‘No Merci’ from ‘No Thank You,’ it’s apparent her once-raw talent has been polished, buffed, and refined. Ajikawo’s stage persona alternates between fearsome empowerment and gentle vulnerability in a contrast embodied in every song she’s written. A lesson to us all in how to be strong and productive while staying true to yourself.
A stark monochrome backdrop dominates the stage for the first half of the set, to be replaced by flickering flames for ‘Heart on Fire.’ When the artist requested a moment of silence to pray for world peace, it felt authentic and urgent. And following a fan fainting on the balcony, Ajikawo halted the set (despite the adrenaline so clearly coursing through her veins) and didn’t resume until she knew they were taken care of. After inviting said fan on stage, she said, “you’ll always be safe among people like us,” with a level of warmth and generosity of spirit that made the crowd swoon. A far cry from Travis Scott’s Astroworld fatal disaster.
Innovators of this caliber don’t come round often - especially not ready-prepared to shoulder the burden of being role models. As Ajikawo spoke to the crowd of channeling her pain into music instead of self-soothing with self-destructiveness, it became clear how lucky the young people of today are. For social media’s ability to stoke hatred and conflict, it’s redistributed some power and given artists a direct means of communication with their audience, transforming how fans and creators interact. Simz urged the crowd to embrace their passions and chase their dreams because working hard and pouring your soul into them will bear fruit - and what better message is there? This is what a true influencer looks like.
As the rowdy Glaswegian crowd hung on her every word, the multi-instrumentalist bounded through the last six songs in an all-out ruckus of a crescendo. Joined by her bassist and guitarist, jamming with her own guitar, Simz took to the keyboard for ‘Protect My Energy.’ Rounding off the show off masterfully with ‘Woman,’ surrounded predominantly by swaying, bopping men, it was a pleasure to witness the audience split flying in the fact of what dark corners of the internet might have us believe. Progress marches forward, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Hot off an 11-date US tour, two-date Australian tour, and in the midst of six UK appearances, Little Simz must be tired, but you wouldn’t guess it. With talent powerful enough to fill sold-out arenas, here’s hoping this master of her craft receives the global recognition she deserves. With the confidence and prowess she showcased tonight, it’s already well underway.
Words by Imogen Sharma
Photography by Renée Bennett
