Seven years after signing to Asylum Records — also home to Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX — Mahalia Burkmar earned a superstar welcome as she took to the stage at a sold-out Shepherd’s Bush Empire show.
It was a poignant moment. Still only 20, Leicester-born Mahalia was 13 when she signed a record deal amid a wave of hype and early comparisons to Erykah Badu. Yet in the intervening years, mainstream success has largely eluded her.
After two busy years that have seen Mahalia step up to larger venues, earn major industry award nominations and achieve her first taste of a hit (Sober has been viewed over 28 million times on YouTube), her opening moments on stage last night felt like the arrival proper of R&B’s new big star.
Her melodic, neo-soul style proved popular, especially her more recent hits with their woozy, electronic-tinged edge and more evocative lyricism. Other early highlights included Honeymoon, 17 and One Night Only (the latter accompanied by charismatic poet Kojey Radical). Her anecdotal, diary-like song delivery earned a warm reception, as did her infectious chatter with the audience between songs.
Her performance style was varied throughout. Tender moments captivated, such as during Silly Girl, when Mahalia stood alone on stage with an acoustic guitar, as did more energetic snatches which saw her dancing in the audience. Her confidence had visibly grown, something helped too by the welcome inclusion of a vibrant live band instead of the lacklustre backing tracks of previous tours.
The standout moment came during her stunning performance of Sober. It’s relatable lyrics and empathetic delivery chimed with an audience who sang throughout.
