The Secret Garden Party: Cloud X
Image: Diya
On a chilled summer Sunday in South London, Cloud X Festival became a secret garden party hosted for some of the best of the UK’s emerging R&B, Soul and Alt rap music. Independent vendors were scattered across the park, tempting foodies to relax, unwind and enjoy the best that life in London had to offer.
Gracing the Main Stage, soulful songstress Etta Bond captivated with sultry riffs and encouraging, confessional lyricism: ‘If this thing’s love, it’ll see us through; Let go of what we were meant to lose.’ Singing candidly with heartfelt authenticity, her sunlit presence soothed and empowered. As she took us through records like ‘Let You In’, ‘On A Beach’ and ‘Surface’, consciousness levels rose as crowds connected over a sense of purpose, a relaxed aura and strength in vulnerability.
The highlight of the festival was Berwyn - a Trinidad-born rapper, producer and songwriter based in East London. With ease and effortless effort, Berwyn’s set was intimate and grounding. An eager crowd echoed his raw lyrics back to him, as he shared stories of loss, heartache, resilience and triumph. Tender vocals soared over tender keys, as Berwyn bared his soul through autobiographical truths. His records were almost hymns, offerings to a higher power. He revealed that he has been in the studio working on new music, and we’re anticipating what’s next for this emerging superstar.
Image: Diya
On the Notion stage, Kwaku Asante was immersed in nature, lit in red. His liquid vocals bounced on smooth funk and the strings of freedom from an electric guitar, as his free spirit wooed the crowd. Dressed head to toe in a tie dye deep purple and blue set, his assured performance keeps him at the top as one to watch. Jaz Karis elevated us to an exotic fantasy with ‘Let that sh*t go’.
The prominence of a female balanced line-up was evident. The MOBO Unsung stage placed emerging talent like Victoria Jane, Safiyyah and Essii centre stage, championing the next generation of UK talent. With inclusive vibes, kindness and love palpable in smiles, laughter and chilled conversations, Cloud X was truly the secret garden party we all needed before the height of carnival the following weekend: a breath of fresh air.
Sign up now for super early bird tickets. For tickets and info on Cloud X Festival 2024, visit here.
