Black is Beautiful: A Celebratory Series of Black Talent and Unity at Stereo Covent Garden

The "Black is Beautiful" series, hosted by Cloud X and our team at New Wave Magazine, was a powerful celebration of Black UK talent and culture, bringing a vibrant lineup of music, art, and community to the intimate yet sophisticated venue of Stereo in Covent Garden. Set against the stunning, warmly lit interiors of Stereo, each event in the series radiates an aura of cultural pride, gathering people from all walks of life in honor of Black creativity.

Photography by @prckjsr & Ade.vstz

The series began with its first showcase on Wednesday, October 2nd, instantly drawing in an enthusiastic crowd that only grew as the night progressed. The diversity of the audience was notable; attendees ranged from fashion-forward creatives to established professionals young and old, all unified in their appreciation for Black talent. This cross-generational audience gave the night a unique energy, where vibrant conversations filled the air, and as more people arrived, the anticipation grew for each performance.

Opening the night was David Armada, an emerging rap talent whose sound is as diverse as the influences he embodies. Armada captivated the audience with his dynamic style, blending elements of classic UK Jungle with lyrical prowess. Following Armada, Summer Pearl took the stage with her unmistakable jazz-infused style. Her powerful stage presence and soulful vocal delivery transported the audience into a different realm, showcasing the emotional depth and versatility that has made her a name to watch in the UK music scene. Closing out the night was Che Lingo, who brought a compelling fusion of raw, a cappella verses and introspective tracks. His performance struck a deeply personal chord with the audience, revealing vulnerability and artistic sincerity. The highlight of his set was a seamless collaboration with guest performer Jordan Mackampa, their voices harmonizing beautifully, adding yet another layer of richness to the evening. Lingo’s heartfelt performance resonated deeply with those in attendance, leaving a lasting impression that capped off the night.

With each performance, the crowd at Stereo continued to swell, a testament to the growing appreciation for this series and the talent it highlights. "Black is Beautiful" isn’t just a showcase; it’s a movement that amplifies the voices of Black artists across genres, celebrating them in spaces that allow their work to flourish and reach an ever-wider audience. 

The second night of the "Black is Beautiful" series, held on October 9th at Stereo in Covent Garden, was a sublime celebration of UK R&B, gathering an eager crowd to witness an unforgettable lineup of talent. This event, part of the series curated by Cloud X and New Wave Magazine, was a mesmerizing showcase of soul, artistry, and connection, with performances that brought the beauty of UK R&B to life.

Natalie Lindi, a singer-songwriter with a stunning voice and equally impressive guitar skills. Taking the stage with grace and humility, Lindi immediately drew the crowd in with delicate fingerpicking on her guitar, setting a serene and heartfelt tone for the night. Her vocal riffs, flawless runs, and soaring high notes filled the room, captivating everyone in attendance. Rising star Summer Banton followed shortly after, bringing a lively contrast that electrified the crowd. Known for her infectious tunes and stage presence, Banton gave the audience a lightly choreographed performance that perfectly complemented her upbeat, bouncy records. Her carefully crafted setlist kept the audience swaying and dancing, enhancing the celebratory feel of the evening. Closing the night was the extraordinary Ayanna, whose powerful and emotional set left an indelible mark on the audience. Ayanna’s set not only showcased her popular records but also allowed her to share her personal journey, weaving intimate stories and details of her career into her performance. Her openness about her challenges and achievements struck a chord with the audience, inspiring and connecting with them on a deep, personal level. Ayanna's storytelling and artistry made her set both endearing and unforgettable.

The third night of the "Black is Beautiful" series on October 17th brought the energy to an all-time high, with a crowd that could barely contain their enthusiasm. Stereo in Covent Garden buzzed with excitement as fans gathered for what would be a standout evening of performances from some of the UK’s most promising R&B talent. Hosted by the charismatic Rellik, who kept the audience engaged and lively, the evening’s atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Rellik made a special note of the crowd’s infectious energy, setting the tone for a night that would celebrate powerful female voices and unforgettable moments.

The soulful Liet, brought a warm, heartfelt vibe to the stage. Performing tracks from her latest project Been Here Before, Liet’s emotional delivery and magnetic voice resonated with the crowd, earning her an enthusiastic response. Next up was BaggE, whose rich vocals and emotive performance captivated the audience, raising the energy in the room even further. With each song, BaggE demonstrated the strength of her voice, moving seamlessly between soft, introspective moments and powerful, soaring notes that filled the space. The crowd swayed along, visibly drawn to her presence and authenticity, creating an atmosphere of connection and appreciation for her artistry.

By the time the headliner, Mnelia, took the stage, the crowd was primed and ready. Known for her hit records and infectious stage presence, Mnelia delivered a show-stopping performance that was one of the highlights of the entire series. As she launched into her most popular tracks, the crowd responded with enthusiasm, singing along to every word and filling the room with palpable energy. Mnelia’s performance was dynamic and memorable, her confidence and charm captivating everyone in attendance. The synergy between her and the crowd was electric, creating a shared experience that was both joyous and unforgettable.

A grand finale celebrating the best of UK R&B in all its depth and power. The venue was packed with an eager crowd, setting the stage for an evening filled with memorable performances and heartfelt connections that underscored the success of the series. Kicking off the night was none other than Cloud X founder Dabieh, who set an energetic and personal tone for the evening. Taking the stage with a mix of humility and excitement, Dabieh performed a set that showcased his talent and passion for the South London scene. His ode to South London resonated deeply with the crowd, who welcomed the tribute with open arms, creating a moment of unity and pride that filled the space with warmth.

Following Dabieh’s set, the talented Kali Claire stepped up to deliver a soulful and polished performance. Her beautiful voice filled Stereo, captivating the audience with every note. Kali’s connection to her fans was palpable, especially as she shared a touching moment with a fan in the crowd, reflecting the intimate atmosphere that had defined each night of the series. Keep Vibes Near was next, performing a spellbinding set alongside his guitarist, both of them exuding a calm, soulful energy that entranced the audience. The slow-burning, atmospheric quality of his music created an almost dreamlike state in the room. His performance brought a grounding and introspective vibe to the evening, making it a standout segment of the night.

To close out the series with undeniable force, Shae Universe took the stage to an overwhelmingly warm reception from the largest crowd of the entire series. A powerhouse in UK R&B, Shae delivered a masterful, exhilarating performance that was the perfect ending to this impactful event. Her command of the stage and rich vocals held the audience in rapt attention, every song further solidifying her place as one of UK R&B’s defining talents. Shae’s set was a celebration of all the elements that had made "Black is Beautiful" such a success—artistry, community, and a shared love for the genre.

The final show was a culmination of everything Cloud X and New Wave Magazine aimed to honor in this series. By gathering such passionate fans and exceptional artists, this final event underscored the importance of spaces that celebrate Black artistry. With every artist who performed, the series highlighted the thriving landscape of UK R&B, leaving an indelible mark on the London music scene. As the crowd left Stereo that night, they carried with them the essence of "Black is Beautiful," a series that celebrated talent, unity, and the enduring power of music.