Yussef Dayes Presents: Summer Dayes Festival - A Dazzling Success

As summer is finally upon us, Yussef Dayes has blessed us with the most wholesome day festival Yussef Dayes presents: Summer Dayes, the very first festival created by the musician. The stage of Crystal Palace’s amphitheatre was graced by musical talents and friends of Yussef’s such as Masego, Greentea Peng, Sango, Charlotte Day Wilson, Jordan Ward, Venna, Luedji Luna and of course the organizer himself for a finale of what was planned to be a beautiful array of R&B, soul and hip-hop.

Stepping into the park, it was immediately filled with uplifting energy and vibrations. Festival-goers came for the music, vibes but mostly community. The day was hosted by comedian Munya Chawawa which made it even more enjoyable with his nationally enjoyed comedy.

We started the day off with a yoga class by Dave Dayes, Yussef’s dad, who led around 350 people in the downward dog and child poses, this was the perfect way to get into the relaxing feeling the festival was giving to set the scene for a chilled day ahead. Yoga was followed by the angelic voice of Brazilian singer-songwriter Luedji Luna. Paired with the sun coming through it was a dreamlike head start of the musical journey that was ahead. London native Venna was next up and he took us through some of his most- and lesser known discography, allowing long-time fans to hear classics with songs like ‘Sun, Moon & Herbs’.

All the way from the States came Jordan Ward to bless Croydon with his soft voice and songs ‘FAMJAM4000’ and ‘White Crocs’ - followed by another beautiful voice from across the pond, Charlotte Day Wilson who just released her new album Cyan Blue, made us all fall in love and stand in awe as she sang and played the guitar like a natural.

The tempo went up as the day moved along into the evening. Sango came through and provided the up beat tunes to kick it all off for the dancers in the crowd. We were all united as we sang along to mixes of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us’ and other hits the American producer provided for us.

The festival gave us an amazing line up and it was perfect because there was no clashing. No-one missed a performance as all artists performed on one stage so we didn’t have to pick and choose where to go and you didn’t have to miss any of the wholesome vibes of UK’s very own Greentea Peng or enjoy Masego’s iconic saxophone solos.

To end the night with an absolute banger, the talented man himself Mr. Dayes came through and brought out Venna and Luedji Luna to jam out. The energy was absolutely insane, you could see the genius of Yussef from up top as a camera was placed above the drums he was playing. The music was so heartfelt, his band (including an amazing harp player) and him were in total unison. The perfect ending to a perfect day, hopefully this will be the first of many!

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