Urban World

Winter Fest Mavado & Gyptian

The snow could not stop Gyptian and Mavado fans from arriving in their droves. The Mobo award winning Gyptian and Mavado, the Gully God, arrived in style and put on a show that had me out of my seat and dancing until the lights came on. With a sound like no other, Mavado took the crowd through a catalogue of songs that brought Jamaica and The Gully Side straight to Brixton! 

The show was warmed up by Swagger G who came out dressed as bank robber and  Gappy Ranks who got the crowd involved with his opening  song “Stinkin' Rich”. Gappy Ranks reminded everyone that although born and bred in London he has made some dancehall tracks that have stretched far beyond England.   

Gyptian arrived on stage and true to his clean cut style wore a sharp grey suit. He opened with “Serious Times” which instantly had the crowd singing along. With the main standing area packed as well as the upper circle, the vibe inside Brixton Academy was inviting. Gyptian went through some of his best tracks such as “Beautiful Lady” and “Nah Let Go” but it was his closing track “Hold You” that took the crowd from a more conscious place to a party vibe. 

Mavado burst onto the stage backed by a sound that is truly spectacular. His stage presence is all encompassing and backed by an entourage who were ready to party the vibe was set by his opening track “So Special.” Mavado had the seated  upper circle immediately on our feet! Followed by “Last Night” and “Gangster Life” the quality of his sound had huge impact on his audience interaction. His performance of “Money Changer” was powerful as he did the majority of this song with only the drummer and made the crowd sing the whole chorus back at him. Towels and flags spinning in the air Mavado commands a respect that no other dancehall artist has managed as he jumped into the crowd for 2-3 minutes with minimal security and bling fully loaded!!  My favourite performance of the evening was Mavado “Wha Dem a Do” he definitely made the evening a night to remember. The Gully God left the stage just as he arrived in a burst of energy, serenaded by applause, screams and cheers! Mavado is a true star.

by Dominique 'Dom Bubbly' Pitt