Opening the night was the highly talented Jack Dean, who took to the stage and delivered a spellbinding performance. With heavy guitars and drums, influences from artists like Sam Fender are evident throughout every energetic track. Even during a short set, the hearts of fans were captured. This was particularly captured when many were seen shining their phone lights in a touching tribute to the artist’s dad, who was in the audience. Closing Dean’s set was his latest release, ‘Tears Won’t Save You’, a powerful track showcasing the artist’s vocals.
Lights dimmed, and it was time for Camara to begin. Running excitedly on stage to ‘Anyways How You Been?’, it became clear from the start that Camara was born to perform. With powerful vocals and touching lyrics, the crowd was immediately entranced by the sheer talent on stage in front of them. Transitioning into ‘Ingrained’ and ‘Shoulda Known Better’, the crowd was let further into her world of love and loss. ‘Do You Love Me’ came next, and alongside this came a tender moment of the show; a fan gave Camara sunglasses to wear on stage. The sense of community at this particular moment was through the roof, and it was touching to see.
A celebration of love came next in the form of ‘Starlight’, before which the singer urged the crowd to think of the one they treasure the most. At this moment in the show, the lights were dim, adding to the atmospheric energy in the room. Camara knows her fanbase excellently, and this became evident with her cover of choice - Gracie Abrams’ ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’. ‘Something Better’ and ‘Never Be Yours’ once again display emotional vulnerability, and this is perhaps why Camara’s music resonates with many - she isn’t afraid to be truthful and confessional in her art.
Sadness quickly transformed into anger with ‘Said It All’, a fun and bouncy pop track which chronicles the injustice felt when someone who once was your whole world has left. Camara’s incredible vocal range was reiterated with ‘Complicated’ - a heartwrenching ballad discussing the messiness of modern romance. Camara’s gratitude was something so clear throughout the whole night, and at this point in the show a whole speech dedicated to the fans was given. It was so heartwarming to see appreciation for the crowd; the whole night they were dancing and singing their hearts out in a celebration of the music they love. ‘Here We Go Again’ was a special part of the show, with the artist asking for crowd participation. Moments like these truly stand out at a show; the sense of community is unmatched. ‘Parking Lot’ was another quintessential Sofia Camara performance, one full of soul and passion for the art.
Closing the show was the hit ‘Girls Like You’, which was accompanied by an iconic outfit change. Once again, it was evident to see that performing is exactly what Camara was born to do; she knows how to put on an enthralling show. Once the artist left the stage, it became clear what the fans wanted - an encore. Chants of “one more song, one more song” filled the venue, with fans eagerly awaiting an entrancing ending. This was exactly what they got, with an energetic performance of ‘Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)’. During this, Camara gave out flowers to the crowd, in a heartwarming tribute to those who have helped her build her dream career.
This was certainly a night to remember, one full of talent, heart, community, and connection between fans and artists alike.
Hanna Makowska