Live

Janelle Monae: SSE Arena, Wembley, London 2/7/19

By all rights, Janelle Monae should be one of the biggest stars on the planet. Her astonishing set at Glastonbury showcased one of the modern era's most eclectic - and electric - talents.

Her last album, "Dirty Computer", deservedly won plaudits for her ability to merge pop, hip hop, soul and practically everything in between in a way even Prince would have been proud of. Comparisons with the Purple One are easy to make, with both sharing a flamboyant stage presence and charisma, but make no mistake, Monae is a phenomenon in her own right.

She was carried into the stage on a stretcher to the sound of "Dirty Computer" before launching into feelgood anthem "Crazy, Classic, Life". Flawlessly choreographed throughout, she had the crowd rocking to "Screwed" and the brilliant "Django Jane". A highlight was "Electric Lady", the title track from her acclaimed 2013 album.

Having starred in movies Moonlight and Hidden Figures, Monae has plenty of Hollywood pedigree, but she was able to call on, even more, when Black Panther star Lupita Nyong'o joined her onstage. The pair danced together to pop hit "I Got The Juice" to the crowd's obvious delight. As she did at Glastonbury, Monae was out in the audience, not missing a beat.

The 90 minutes flew by, and encore tracks "So Afraid" and "Come Alive (War of the Roses" demonstrated that captivating crowds comes naturally. With her music packed with positive and inclusive messages, Monae could be one of the most important artists of our era.

The Wembley show was passionate, politically charged and inspiring, and it was fitting that a throne was carried out for the artist to recline on.

Without a doubt, Janelle Monae is a must-see artist.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke