Every Monday, ILUVLIVE at Proud, Camden gives artists both known and unknown a chance to take to the stage and showcase their stuff, giving the UK’s underground talent the outlet it has always deserved. In the lead up to the show more and more people rolled in from the cold outside taking refuge in the Proud stables where the unmistakable hair of DJ and host Ras Kwame could be seen bobbing past.

Little time was wasted with introductions as the show began and people gathered in front of the stage to watch the night unfold. JadeDragon was first up, seducing the females in the audience with his undeniable swagger and confidence. Sporting his own clothing line, he dropped some cheeky lyrics over the booming bass of an old school R&B track meshed with dubstep sound effects. The result? Success, as he was cheered from all angles of the Proud Galleries. Full time doctor, part-time rapper Chima Anya was next up as he and his guitar player lead us through songs touching subjects of life, death, terminal illness and the harsh realities of his real job. Bringing some thought provoking lyrics he mellowed the tone before stunning songstress Janiece Myers took his place on stage alongside the ILUVLIVE house band. Coming all the way from Liverpool, Janiece and her two backing singers put their city on the map as her strong vocals took us through a number of well-structured songs, including one about a mysterious heartbreaking rockstar. Hmm….. Who could it be?

Jake Reid gave a shock to the system after he and his band set up. The skinny spectacle-wearing white boy gave an incredible soulful performance and even through technical sound problems, still held the attention of the audience. His mature voice gave way for the next act; Daley who is quickly being recognised on the underground circuit for more than just his stylish hair-do. A single soul stirring acapella was enough to have the gallery cheering him off. With a combination of incredible vocals and quirky energy, Ella Chi did what needed to be done on the ILUVLIVE stage by giving her all and was well rewarded with cheers and applause. Our very own UK MC Hammer dropped some bars of the old school garage kind while joined on stage by fellow MCs Jeeday Jaws and grime’s one and only Jammer. Skanking and eruptions of noise from the guys in the crowd ensued as Jammer and Hammer went back to back with their most popular lyrics.

The open mic session gave 11 contestants the chance to face off against each other in a 60 second time slot to win the approval of the ILUVLIVE attendees with only two going on to do live sets the following week. Some talented, some not-so-talented and some just plain crazy, each performer got their time in the spotlight with 11 soon becoming a final three as futuristic rapper Shadez The Misfit, Glaswegian singer Chloe and vocalist Kelly stood before us, the judges. With Shadez safely through, the equal roars for both Chloe and Kelly kept the winner undecided for what seemed like eternity. Eventually Ras Kwame decided that Kelly had conceded defeat, leaving Chloe and Shadez victorious and thoughtful about their performance next week… Will you be there?

Words by Lawrence Gichigi

Tags: Daley, Dubstep, Grime, Hammer, Hip Hop, ILUVLIVE, Jammer, Jeeday Jaws, Pop, R&B