Urban World

Style and Substance

Walking into last days of decadence I was pleasantly surprised by the quaint style of this bar and its moody lighting, they serve fabulous jerk chicken which myself and my guest gorged on before the show started, as well the juiciest cocktail made by a saucy bar man. For those don’t know style and substance is female artists and a different charity every month. They show case females in their rawest form in front of a live audience. This show has a variety of acts ranging from poetry, rap, and live music.

The crowd was definitely cold when Dionne Reid got on stage, but her rap free style combined with her introduction which flitted between funny Caribbean and African antidotes. What makes style and substance interesting its aim is to raise awareness of up and coming artists as well as a different charity each month. Dionne give us a brief introduction to the charity Platform 51 (The name originates from the fact the 51% of the population is female.)  The charity is dedicated to helping young women reach their full potential. Fitting with the tone of the style and substance brand perfectly.

The 1^st act on was a singer song writer called becks, singing “having a good time” and a strong acapella called “get up” which was intriguing. Next up was Marine a petite curly haired girl with a very big voice which surprised me. Her flow and moves were far beyond her years.  There was a change in pace when Lil’ Sims arrived on stage; from her boyish style to her sultry Rich Ross “Aston martin music” cover I was again surprised at her age. She went on to perform a rap acapella which had good content but needed a little bit of development in the flow. I then had the pleasure of hearing a cover of Beyonce’s “Halo” by J Sol which was charming.

My favourite act of the night in fact there were two! Markis Toliva is someone if you love music you need look out for. When he pulled out a violin I was a little bit taken a back, but once he started playing, I was entranced. Although I do not like to compare up and coming artist he has a john legend / J holiday air to his character, his songs are romantic alongside his skills on the violin,  he is mesmerising. Receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.  He was joined shortly by Leanne Havas playing the electric guitar. She reminds me of Corrine bailey ray, they both looked drenched in Shoreditch style and it suited their music perfectly. Home grown and hearty! Leanne performed “Hands are tied with Markis and then went on to do “Forget opens her heart” and “Gone” closing with a cover of Jill Scotts “He loves me.”

There was a poetry section which was a mix of hard back Jamaican and English twang Amusing and interesting, her poetry at point were like a painting a picture.  The final act was Ashley Ashley singing her own creations backed up by keys, “Silver”, “Giving up” and “Metal man” her overall look was the best of the night, tartan blazer with electric blue skinny jeans and pumps. Coupled with half a skin head I had high expectations, and although she had stage presence was let down slightly by her keys.

Throughout the host was hilarious introducing each act with vigour and enthusiasm! Style and substance is a good midweek experience, with the girls or on a quiet intimate date check it out.