Live music events always go beyond hearing the music. There’s something about packed space, loud music and high energy performances that elevates the songs we hear in playlists to phenomenal experiences. Shows transform listeners into fans and fans into super fans, and creates an opportunity for music to be felt.
Boiler Room and Ballantine’s True Music series does this. It connects artists, fans and everyone in between – regardless of fame, language or culture. The magic created at True Music events has always been legendary, creating a brand identity for Boiler Room and Ballantine; one that is not only associated with good music and artiste discovery, but also with hosting some of the most energetic parties.
When COVID-19 hit across the globe, live events took an unanticipated hit. As the world adjusted to the new modus operandi, live music spaces and events like Boiler room and Ballantine’s True Music adapted as well.
On the 14th of October, in a post-lockdown London, Boiler Room x Ballantine held its first event. The show had to conform to the new normal, and government restrictions meant face coverings and socially-distanced seating arrangements.
Performing to both a virtual crowd via video call and a select few at the venue, headliners Zilo and Mr Eazi brought the magic.
The night started off calm with serenading vibes from up-and-coming singer, Zilo. Kicking off the night with a low-tone number, she quickly turned it up a notch performing up-tempo songs like “Tell Her” and “On A Wave”. Her vibe was soothing, and the simplicity of her production left you bumping your head. The audience easily connected to her set through a mix of storytelling, life lessons and great music.
Watch Zilo’s performance below:
Next up was multiple award-winning Nigerian superstar, Mr Eazi. He came in with loads of energy, performing live renditions of some his biggest hits like “Miss You Bad” and a first-time performance of “Jealous”, featuring Ghana’s King Promise. It was refreshing to hear live instruments and vocals again. Eazi’s energy was way up and you could feel it in the audience as well. When “Knock Knock” came on, closely followed by a medley of Eazi hits, the place was proper turnt.
Mr Eazi ended his set using the platform to address youth empowerment, ending police brutality in Nigeria and shed some light on the #EndSARS movement. At the time of the event, protests in his home city of Lagos had just begun and he used the platform to spread awareness.
Watch Mr Eazi’s performance below:
The Boiler Room x Ballentine’s experience was magical, as always. Each show raises funds for different causes, and this event raised money for ‘Project Protect’, a fund providing financial, medical and legal resources during and after the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. I must add that production of the event was absolutely flawless! Beyond beautiful aesthetics, the team brought good energy and it reflected all round. It was a great night of live music, networking and it felt good to be outside again. London was only the first of the True Music event series this year, there’s more to come.
To find out more about Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music, head here.