Live

Ari Lennox: Electric Brixton, London 19/12/19

When the Grammy Award nominations were announced late last year, there was one omission that raised plenty of eyebrows. Ari Lennox's "Shea Butter Baby" was undoubtedly one of the standout records of 2019, so it seemed frankly bizarre that it did not make the list.

The 28-year-old has the world at her feet, and by the time I got along to her show at Electric Brixton - her third sellout London concert of the week - she'd already earned rave reviews for her live performances.

It very quickly became clear why, as she delivered a powerful and mature 90-minute set that showcased exactly why she's earned comparisons with a young Erykah Badu.

The emotive soul of her record shines through onstage, and Lennox delivered "Chicago Boy" with the same sensuality and force as she conjured up in the studio.

The venue was packed for her performance, and the singer delivered a high energy display throughout, with "Whipped Cream" an early highlight from her set.

"BMO" and "Shea Butter Baby" retained all their power, and had the capacity audience gripped throughout.

Note-perfect renditions of "Apartment" and "Up Late" were further evidence that Lennox is one of the most exciting artists around at the moment.

With new music set to drop in 2020, expect to see and hear a lot more of her in the coming years.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke