Outstanding Tiakola Performance in London
Long organised queues around the O2 Forum on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, two hours before doors opened, indicated the excellent turn-out expected from all and sundry. At 8 pm, the BBC1 Xtra DJ Edu, energetic host, Adesope and support acts teased the alacritous audience with incredible music, special effects, dance, and great vibes.
By 9 pm, the auditorium was packed to the rafters by multinational yet predominantly French-speaking Gen Z fans, who created an atmosphere vibrant enough to awaken the curiosity of the calm and artistic vibes of Kentish Town as Tiakola dawned the stage. Supported only by his live band, DJ Hype Man and occasionally featured guest artists, including Highlyy – Tiakola, it was captivating to watch.
The unassuming and charming Tiakola, who walked onto the stage like the boy next door, was hailed with the roaring applause of a mega-star, treating his die-hard fans who sang every song word for word to an hour 30 minutes of his fantastic music catalogues amassed in his relatively short career.
In just 5 Years, Tiakola has built a core fanbase across Europe. Last night confirmed his super-stardom in the UK when he not only sold out his debut concert but had notable fans and support from the likes of Santandave, Central Cee, Headie-one, in attendance, a long guest list of Premiership footballers, including Crystal palace player Odsonne Edourd, Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, Spurs player Yves Bissouma, Man United’s Anthony Elanga, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and so many more. He had great crowd control, completely owning the stage, especially with big hits like Gasolina, Méle, Soza, Cinderella, Pololo, Si J’savais, and Meuda, before ending the night with crowd favourite La Clé.
The event’s promoter Known as Moko of CongtoGlobal, commented, “There seems to be a big appetite and audience in the UK for Tiakola, the music and his counterparts by the large francophone community as this marks our 5th sold-out concert in 18 months and there is much more to come. Tiakola’s reception and showmanship were special tonight, and he left the audience wanting much more; who knows, maybe next year we will do the O2 Arena.”
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Images from the concert
photographed by Michael Tubes
photographed by Michael Tubes