Terri Walker, Abel Miller, Josh Osho, Daley, Kof, A.L.+Lioness @ SundayNightLive, London | Review+Photos

An appreciated name from the UK contemporary soul scene, Terri Walker alongside a host of emerging talents Abel Miller, Josh Osho, Daley, Kof, A.L., and Lioness took to the stage of Sunday Night Live, held at The Clapham Grand on the evening of February 12 hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra presenters/DJs Ace & Vis.

Rousing playful screams from many of the female attendees, Brit R&B newcomer Abel Miller gave a promising performance of “You Love Me” and his own take on Cover Drive‘s “Twightlight,” showing potential that could prove pretty interesting in a year or so once developed.

Next, despite her early placing on the schedule for the night’s events, Terri Walker unmistakably yet seemingly effortlessly showed the crowd how it’s done with a stellar vocal performance filled with soul.

Having worked with the likes of Mos Def, Salaam Remi, Ski Beatz, James Yarde and Alex Da Kid over the past decade, the London-based singer’s performance of Jill Scott‘s “The Way” and her own new song “He Loves Me” [produced by Donae'o, who was in the audience] comfortably oozed a level of class onstage that many of the night’s acts, whilst also talented, still have a way to work towards.

Soul-inspired singer and Ghostface Killah-collaborator Josh Osho was next up and coolly strummed his way through an acoustic set that included new single “Giants” for an attentive audience, accompanied by another guitarist and midway joined onstage by rapper Marger for “This Year.”

Soulful Manchester-hailing singer Daley has already tickled wide interest with his “Doncamatic” single collaboration with Gorillaz and his own debut EP, Those Who Wait, which featured a duet with Grammy nominated soulstress Marsha Ambrosius – which he performed solo on this night, with angelic vocals and gentle runs.

Singer and rapper Kof subtly impressed with his smooth Craig David-like tones, giving a performance of his new single, “Child Of The Ghetto” [which we previewed here], and a mash-up of “Thugz Mansion” by Tupac, his own “Street Lights” and Nirvana classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” There’s a little something potentially special there.

Opening with a performance giving her own version of Maybach Music rapper Meek Mill‘s “I’ma Boss,” as featured on J Dilla-inspired project A.L. vs. J.Dilla: The LaidBack EP, A.L.‘s vivacious performance was of unexpected heights, with strong vocals [more striking live than recorded] and commanding presence.

The East London singer/songwriter was joined onstage by London rapper Lioness to perform “Better Me.” Lioness then opened her own brief set with an engaging a cappella performance of “Bomb” from her 2011 mixtape Roarness and, show-closing ferociously, teamed up once again with A.L. for a rousing performance of “All You Need.”

A highlight of the evening, the duo’s dynamic combination pointing to an exciting future for several of the developing stars in the UK’s ever expanding urban universe.

My only criticism of the event is of its duration which, having kicked off the performances shortly before 9pm, ran for over three hours with lengthy gaps between acts and ended well past midnight – fairly unusual for this type of event and a little inconvenient for travel on a Sunday night for Londoners – but these kinks can be ironed.

However lengthy, the overall satisfying line-up made up for that with enjoyable performances from a variety of seasoned artists and promising newcomers; bringing fairly consistent quality that even extended into the open mic session, which included a smooth, ear-catching 60-second performance by R&B harmony group Rough Copy, and a tribute to Whitney Houston which ended the night.

A rare quality of live music event on the South side of the river, and worth checking out.

Visit SundayNightLive.co.uk for news on upcoming shows.

Photography by Rhodri Jones [@itsRodrico]