Tinashe

Tinashe

XOYO London, 26th Aug 2014

****

 

 

Finding a winning support act and headliner combination is always few and far between but XOYO got their 2on as Melissa Steel and Tinashe gave it their all at one of London’s most loved underground clubs.

 

Fresh from filming yet another music video in Jamaica and swinging her box braids at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, Steel’s schedule has been all Go-Go-Go! Opening with her Kove feature track ‘Way We Are’, Steel’s fun-loving island flavour got things off to a flying start. Previously seen accompanied by backing singers at last month’s Pop Justice event, without them Steel came across a little nervous. However her confidence soon returned when the crowd got behind her on the last song, which was of course her summer debut single ‘Kisses for Breakfast’. With the feel good reggae vibe in full flow, all that was missing here was a Piña colada in hand. Give me one of those and it wouldn’t have been long before I would be daydreaming about the blissful shores of the Caribbean, coconut rum punch and the blazing sun. Keeping the Jamaican theme going she declared she has been working with Jamaican producer Trevor Baby G for her yet to be named debut album. You may be forgiven for thinking Steel and her dancehall influences originates from the sandy beaches ofJamaica, but you couldn’t be more wrong; she actually hails from Bradford in West Yorkshire!

 

Next onto the stage was headliner and downtown LA girl Tinashe. A few years on from her first foray into the music industry with girl band The Stunners, it appears Tinashe has got every aspect nailed as a solo artist. 2on has recently peaked at No1 in the UK R&B charts and since seen her rise from underground to mainstream success. No wonder then that this was a particular favourite of the night, judging by the sea of recording devices that appeared in the crowd.

 

Anyways where do we start with Tinashe? She’s got moves she can flaunt without having to play heavy on sex appeal, abs that will get you running to your nearest gym, hair so voluminous even Cheryl Cole’s next L’Oreal campaign could have strict competition and last but no means least, vocally she’s kind of swagging it in her own little pop/R&B world.

 

 

Far from being crowd shy Tinashe had the room pretty much in awe as she circulated her hips, grabbed their hands and sang old skool classics such as Justin Timberlake ‘Cry Me A River’, Tupac ‘California Love’ and ‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S.

 

If that isn’t enough she also marked her debut show here in London by giving fans an exclusive first live performance of her new track ‘Pretend’ feat ASAP Rocky. While he was not present, this less choreographed ending left you feeling glazed over with those puppy love eyes.  Returning the London love she even agreed to give selfies after the show – and we are not talking just one of two, she pretty much did a whole club meet and greet! Way to go Tinashe.

 

Thumbs up again to the booking agent for this pairing!