The opening weekend of All Points East was a joyous occasion that exemplified the UK festival season. Travelling to East London's Victoria Park two days back to back is not a trip for the weak, but being among the masses in glorious sunshine and high temperatures with sensational sounds coming from East to West made it well worth the journey.
The opening day of the 2024 edition of the festival was already going to be one for the books as soon as Kaytranada was announced as the headliner. The lineup was studded with the likes of Tems, Victoria Monet, Channel Tres, Felo Le Tes, and Maeta, to name a few. There was no doubt that it was going to be a day filled with exquisite vibes. Of course, all expectations were met, and then, the sum.
Opening its gates at 3 p.m., the afternoon and day were a back-to-back lead-up to the moment that Kaytranada took the East Stage. Having experienced the incredible energy of Kaytranda multiple times before, we already knew there was no way we would be disappointed along the way. Other standout moments of the day included 2024 New Artist Grammy Award winner Victoria Monet, who returned to the UK after being here at the end of last year.
Back fresh as a Grammy winner, Victoria once again delivered a stunning performance which came through on all accounts. From lighting to production to her dancers on stage, she played with a crowd of 30,000 people who sang with her from the start to the end of her set. Fans who could not catch any of Victoria's sold-out shows back in December could understand why she is truly THE moment, and fans witnessing her talent were entranced and entertained throughout once again, demonstrating her continued start power.
Another standout was our favourite 'Born in the Wild' girl, Tems, who also delivered a stellar performance. As she had just wrapped the European Leg of her 'Born in the Wild' Tour, a tour known for its raw and untamed energy, we were front and centre to witness her yet again dazzle and entertain another crowd. There is something to be said about the effect she has on any audience she plays to, and it is another monumental moment for the Nigerian songstress who has continued to slay her 'Born in the Wild' era.
A special mention of day one has to go to Felo Le Tee, who also brought all the vibes to the BBC 6 Music Stage. He delivered a killer DJ set that took you from Afrobeats to Amapiano and everything in between. His set was a masterclass, blending different genres and keeping the crowd engaged. Being a part of that set and deep in the middle of those vibes displayed just how diverse the music was throughout the day. The range of tastes and sounds showed that something was there for everyone.
Of course, the day concluded with the main event, Kaytranada himself, who again did not disappoint. He delivered a killer set of his favourites and infused the newest offerings from his latest album, Timeless. The summer, dubbed a "Kaytranada Summer" for some, was deep in the moment as he closed out the opening day.
I have experienced the magic of Kaytranada three times before, and each time has been magical. Being one amongst the thousands that gathered quite literally body to body, the energy and vibes throughout his hour-and-a-half-long set were a stunning celebration of the musical discography he has built from his early days on Soundcloud up until his latest offering.
Although fans would've expected him to have many of his guests join him on stage as they were present at the festival, only Channel Tres accompanied him on stage to perform Drip Sweat. However, even with the lack of guests, he was able to come through on the highest level.
Having experienced him back-to-back following Felo Le Tee, I felt a different energy and vibe as one left the festival crowd. The excitement of Kaytranada's set lingered in the air as crowds left the site, a testament to the festival's ability to create a lasting impression.
As we returned for the second day, the anticipation was palpable. The stellar lineup, featuring Lianna La Havas, ENNY, Jamz Supernova, DJ Spoony, Andre 3000, and Loyle Carner, set the stage for another day of musical bliss. Once again, the weather was on our side, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of entertainment.
The buzz of the first day continued into the following day, which, however, had a more chilled feel. Witnessing Lianna La Havas was the moment with the sun beating down as she played her set. It was a much-anticipated performance to look forward to, as she has been relatively under the radar since the release of her last album. So, hopefully, this appearance means that new music is around the corner.
Of course, another highly anticipated artist on the bill was Andre 3000. Many audience members would have gone hoping to hear some old Outkast songs and some of his previous rap material. He delivered a very expectedly unexpected performance as he played his instrumental music. Set on stage with his flute and joined by another musician, the show was a strange sequence of events, which had it in a different setting, it might have delivered. There were instrumentals, animal noises, and a made-up language that ultimately felt like it was the wrong crowd. If it were the case of a smaller crowd that was silent throughout the performance so that one could take what was being offered, it would've made for a better moment.
In stark contrast to Andre 3000's unexpected performance, Nas's set was a high-energy, stellar performance with the crowd on their feet and going bar for bar as he went through his discography from his classic 1994 debut Illmatic to Magic 3.
Finally, the night ended with Loyle Corner, who also did not disappoint as he closed out the second day of the festival. Always one to bring a rawness and vulnerability to his performances, this time was no different. It was another powerful performance, which had him accompanied by the likes of Tom Misch as a guest on stage, Poet John Agard, Jordan Rakei, and young activist Athian Akec.
The weekend was one of blissful joy and energy and another one in the books for festival season 2024.
