Gathering among the masses in Hackey to witness NAO's incredible talent as she returned to the stage was a night like no other. In the November cold, where the appeal to leave the comfort of one's home is at an all-time low, there was nothing more appealing than spending a night in a church witnessing NAO as she played to a sold-out show in a room filled with invigorating energy and a love that was so real for her.
The announcement came a month ago following the release of her comeback single, ‘Wildflowers,’ after a three-year absence following the release of her 2021 album, ‘And Then Life Was Beautiful.’ During that time, the songstress gave birth to her second child and experienced the changes that came with it.
Now, back in the musical space that has missed her vocal talent, her return has come with the announcement of her upcoming album Jupiter, which has already garnered two singles so far, “Wildflowers” and “Elevate.” Unsurprisingly, the NAO Intimate & Stripped Back show sold out within moments across the four cities she performed in. Saving her hometown of London for last, she gathered her fans in Round Chapel Church for a night filled with immaculate vibes, pulsing energy, and a reminder of her incredible talent.
She mesmerized the audience by opening the show from the church's balcony, surrounded by her fans. Her angelic rendition of ‘Another Lifetime’ set the tone for the evening. She then descended to the stage, strategically placed in the church's center, offering a 360-degree view of her performance.
NAO's performance was a testament to her unique sound and the incredible catalogue she has built since her 2015 EP, 'So Good.' Her voice, distinct and powerful, cut through the typical voices of the UK music scene. Her authenticity as an artist, always standing true to herself, was a quality her fans deeply appreciated, evident in the love they showed for her.
Songs like ‘Orbit’ ‘, If You Ever’ ‘Fool To Love’ ‘Complicated’ and ‘Antidote’ received the love and appreciation expected from fans as they never missed a note and kept going with her from start to finish. Other moments included her cover of D’Angelo’s Untitled (How Does it Feel) and the finishing track ‘Drive and Disconnect.’ And, of course, there were definitely more hits left off the set list.
Speaking to the crowd, she spoke of her five-year absence from music, how, in that time, she had been embracing her new journey of motherhood, and how these shows were a nervous experience for her. However, as a keen NAO fan, one will always know that no matter how long the absence may be, we shall always be here and ready, and that was never truer and more evident than in that church.
As we eagerly await the next chapter of NAO's musical journey, we can't help but feel excited for what she will bring in 2025.
