LONDON – Singer Rachel Chinouriri took to the stage Saturday at London’s O2 Kentish Town to conclude her debut album tour in a blaze of infectious energy and heartfelt emotion.
Dressed in an eccentric, colorful ensemble – think rock princess meets ballad queen – Chinouriri exuded charisma from the moment she appeared.
From the outset, Chinouriri spoke candidly about her journey, stating how it felt “impossible” to navigate the music industry as a Black woman. She wove this theme of resilience throughout her set, which was a master class in contrast, seamlessly blending upbeat tracks with deeply personal ballads.
As she launched into “Never Need Me,” her vibrant spirit ignited the crowd, leaving no one untouched by her enthusiasm.
“I want to boogie!” she exclaimed, inviting everyone to join her in the celebration.
A standout moment came with “Robbed,” a poignant reflection on loss, where her haunting yet comforting voice resonated like a hymn, drawing a moment of stillness from the crowd.
The atmosphere then shifted with the introduction of her new song, “Can We Talk About Isaac,” which was playful and catchy, sure to be an instant favorite.
The lighting added to the experience, with purple and blue hues sweeping across the audience as bright flashes illuminated eager faces, some of which belonged to security staff caught up in the infectious vibe.
The diverse audience – families, couples, and solo attendees – were utterly captivated, waving flashlights as they sang along.
Her heartfelt number “I Hate Myself,” reflecting her journey of self-acceptance, created a powerful connection, provoking cheers that echoed through the venue.
Chinouriri was visibly moved as her bandmates embraced her, and the chants of “Rachel!” felt like a communal celebration of her story. Special guest Cat Burns joined her for their song “Even,” amplifying the evening’s togetherness.
As the night drew to a close, Chinouriri jumped into the crowd, her bubbly energy a lasting imprint on all present. It was a night of inspiration as she carved a path for others to follow.
A poignant highlight was when Chinouriri led a minute of silence, encouraging everyone to appreciate one another, reaffirming her message of love and connection.
As she dedicated “So My Darling” to her college friend Marcus, one thing was clear: Rachel Chinouriri’s voice, both haunting and uplifting, will echo in the hearts of her audience long after the final note.
Anjola Fashawe is a Correspondent with Youth Journalism International.
