Eddy Grant, Bush Hall, London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At Bush Hall, Eddy Grant has the audience in the palm of his hand. It has been 22 years since he last toured Britain, and word has been slow to get around: this intimate venue could be fuller. But those who are here know the importance of this Guyana-born, London-raised singer, who was the first black British owner of his studio and songs, and who brought a cutting social edge to slick global reggae hits. This electrifying night feels like living history.
With two drummers and a female singing trio in attendance, the stiffness on some of Grant's records is stretched into danceable, limber new shapes. Grant's first solo hit, "Hello Africa", proves irresistible. For "I Don't Wanna Dance", everybody does, and sings themselves hoarse, too. "Electric Avenue", with its sadly timeless call for change in a violent, socially divided London, is just a prelude to "Gimme Hope Jo'anna". One note of this anti-Apartheid song disguised as a ballad is all the cue the crowd need to lose themselves completely.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments