During a headline performance at Alexandra Palace Theatre, rising musician Elmiene made it clear that he doesn’t necessarily see breaking through in the US as his ultimate ambition. “I’m in my favourite place in the world right now,” he told the audience. “Not the US or Sudan. This is where I want to be: Hornsey,” said the Sudanese-British artist, before launching into ‘Open Light’.
Elmiene repeatedly made reference to his experience of living in the north London suburb, praising Hornsey for all it has offered him, from its ample writing spots to the “perfect venue” for his headline show. The unassuming surroundings of Alexandra Palace Theatre, combined with the white-clad backing band, allowed Elmiene and his full-bodied baritone to take centre stage without relying on any gimmicks.
Just a few months after the release of his ‘Marking My Time’ EP, Elmiene has already earned vast critical acclaim and co-signs from artists including Sampha and Stormzy. At his performance at Alexandra Palace, Elmiene’s assured live presence was clear, grounded in substance rather than surface-level confidence. Although the constant use of smoke machines and seamless set transitions ensured a smooth, satisfying performance, Elmiene’s more emotional moments didn’t quite land with the intended impact.
Nonetheless, the performance was a thrill to witness, with a new artist performing with real conviction, free of stage clichés. As he prepares for his next chapter, there’s a sense that Elmiene’s Alexandra Palace performance will draw a line under his current era. But the musician, clearly at peace with his rapid rise, was quick to crack self-deprecating jokes about his early career in brief pauses for water.
Even when mimicking a brief stand-up routine, Elmiene’s momentum ahead of breakthrough hit ‘Someday’ remained unstoppable. After giving it his all, Elmiene closed the show with the song, basking in the golden stage light as he sang the final chorus.
Elmiene’s setlist at Alexandra Palace included a number of tracks from his ‘Marking My Time’ EP, as well as hits like ‘Someday’ and ‘Mad At Fire’
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