I first saw Lowkey perform live on a freezing day in January 2009. His acapella version of 'Long Live Palestine' remains one of the most inspiring moments of live music I’ve ever seen, and it certainly united the 100,000 strong crowd on a Free Gaza demonstration in Hyde Park. Since then, he has become one of the leading voices of a generation of politically active young people. With the lyrical ability to convey complex political messages both passionately and lucidly, Lowkey also has the charisma to make it almost impossible not to be inspired by his music.  

'... he has become one of the leading voices of a generation of politically active young people...'

On Sunday night (November 21), he was at POP in Southampton, with a feast of other great acts, for a Love Music Hate Racism gig, fully supported by Ctrl.Alt.Shift. There was a good sized crowd for a Sunday night, and those who did make it out were rewarded for their commitment.

Taking the stage at nearly 10:30pm, Lowkey’s performance was electric. Opening with the first verse of Long Live Palestine, he made good use of beats from Dead Prez and MIA, and drew the crowd in with an interactive version of 'Alphabet Assassin'. Stand out highlights of the set included 'Terrorist', an acapella version of the lyrically astounding 'Cradle of Civilisation', and his attack on the policing of demonstrations, 'Licence to Kill'; skilfully worked over KRS-One’s 'Sound of da Police'.  

On his recent fame, Lowkey told Ctrl.Alt.Shift he was “happy to have done it off my own back, there’s no major investment taken place, no major label, very little radio support.” His fame is purely a result of his message and skill, and on this evidence, neither of those seem likely to run out soon. 

The support acts are well worth a mention as well. Poetic Pilgrimage, a sister double act from Jamaica, who combine an old school hip hop and spoken world style with reggae beats and intelligent lyricism, got the gig off to a flyer. Aruba Red followed them up with a set of soulful acoustic ballads which got the lighters in the air, and MC Logic of People’s Army reminded the crowd of another modern rapper to mix great songs and a clear political message with lyrical depth and passion.

'There was a good sized crowd for a Sunday night, and those who did make it out were rewarded for their commitment'

Special mentions must got to LST and Aaron Soul who rumbled the venue, and the gorgeous host/organiser, Maleena Pone; who took it upon herself to kickstart the proceedings with her own soulful step up to the mic.

And - of course, let's pay respect to the main theme of the night - as we came together to show love for the music, and give the finger to racism; a notion perfectly depicted by the groups and inspiring speakers repping Unite Against Facism and Love Music Hate Racism...

Words: Pete Apps
Photos: Eva Baker