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From Clubhouse to Radio 1xtra Dj Ace's Everything R&B 1 Take to Amazon Bestseller in the R&B Charts - and everything in between. It's fair to say I am an Indigo Marshall STAN, ok?!
So of course, I had no doubt that her sold-out headline show was due to be a sensational night.
Held at the notorious Hare and Hounds in Birmingham, hosted by the vibe king, Tarju Le'Sano and accompanied by DJ Buxley (blessed by the R&B gods). The pair kept the rhythm and grooves steady, with sounds of the old skool bangers, keeping the crowd appetised.
"The night was an absolute RnB delight! Beautiful energy, beautiful people and even more beautiful voices" - Pheleba
First support act of the night, Birmingham based songstress Pheleba. Glowing in a vibrant orange tie-dye maxi dress, she wowed the crowd with her acoustic cover of Brandy's 'Wanna Be Down' & Teedra Moses' 'Wanna Be Your Girl', paying homage to the R&B greats. Pheleba's soft, earthy tone was melodic gold as she silenced the room with a live rendition of her hit song, 'Beautiful' ft partner Dapz on The Map. Which was exactly that. A beautiful dedication to their daughter and reflection of pregnancy and home birth. With over 1 million streams! The hit song is a family affair and we LOVE to see it. Accompanied by the musical beast, DJ Markland on guitar, Pheleba left no crumbs, embodying a modern Sade energy. Her brand new EP 'Mixed Emotions' is out now and most certainly one to add to the playlist.
"The evening and Indigo herself are a product of when you put pure joy and love into your music" - Madi Saskia
Second support act of the night, Smethwick's RnB powerhouse, Madi Saskia. Looking like a real boss lady in a Nike black jumpsuit, Madi didn't come to play. Her incredible performance of her single, 'Open Your Eyes' had us floored with the remixed live adaption played amazingly by John and Nikko on drums & keys. Endlessly emotive but now even more fearless. It's fair to say a personal favourite was her performance of RnB classic, 'Say Yes' by Floetry - a Madi Saskia staple. The Neo-Soul Princess plans to release her debut EP in late 2022, so get ready and expect to hear the vulnerability, honesty and aspects of real life.
And to close, the star of the night, Indigo Marshall. Encapsulating us all wearing a stunning halter neck wrap cocktail dress, Indigo gave a heartfelt performance from beginning to end. With a catalogue of endless sing-a-long crowd-pleasers, Indigo effortlessly conducted the audience like her own personal choir. Prompting the audience to be in the moment allowing the message behind ‘The Fall’ EP to unfold. Her shining stage presence vibrated through the room. A personal favourite was her rendition of her song 'Paris', about reflecting on all the things you never got to do with an ex due to breaking up - definitely a song you wish you'd written.
Accompanied by the immensely talented Ashley Allen on guest keys, who no cap, performed THE best keys solo I've ever witnessed live! The alignment of Indigo and her incredible band was impeccable and a delight to watch. Colossal big up to Perry (Drums), Reuben Reynolds (Guitar), Chris Russel (Keys) and especially Reuben Leroy (MD and Bass) who reproduced the EP as a live arrangement as well as tearing it up on bass.
Indigo's set was one of raw, authentic vibes, giving a personal synopsis for each track combined with smooth soul/RnB fusion sounds. Rocking the room with summer banger 'Flowers', was more than fitting close to the evening, as that is truly what Indigo, Pheleba & Madi deserve. The night a was a ode to RnB, proving that the genre is very much alive, kicking and here to stay.