All Round Fantastic Negrito Live @ Dingwalls

by | Jun 4, 2018

It’s difficult to summarise an evening so impressionable that every part of the experience lingers with you for days on end. Characterised by an energy so emphatic you could feel it moving through you – it was a night where this relatively unknown artist truly lived up to his name. Simply put, Fantastic Negrito was just that – “fantastic”.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

In the UK to support his new album Please Don’t Be Dead, the Grammy award-winning artist brought his eclectic fusion of blues, funk and soul to the intimate setting of ‘Dingwalls’ – a live music venue buried deep in underground Camden. A famously alternative and ‘grungy’ part of London, Camden is a perfect place for music fans and artists alike.

Even on a simple stroll through its streets one can hear faint sounds of reggae one minute and hard rock the next. For Fantastic Negrito the modest nature of Dingwalls gave him a unique opportunity to connect with his audience in ways that not many artists ever could. And that, as one would quickly found out, proved to be a imperative aspect of his show.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

Accompanied by four very talented (and impeccably dressed) musicians, Fantastic Negrito wandered onto the stage – his iconic little afro distinctly silhouetted in the dark red hue. He starts with a boisterous “Oh yeah!” into the microphone and goes for his first dramatic opening note on the guitar.

But it did not go to plan – “Wait a minute, stop, stop, stop! They didn’t plug in my guitar! Now ain’t that bullshit?!”. It was a comedic interlude that would go on to define all of his on-stage demeanor for the rest of the night.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

Opening the show with Bad Guy Necessity, the band was able to produce a level of funk enough to move the entire crowd, the majority of which were already swaying side to side with enjoyment. They wasted no time in showing off their musical aptitude – just the opening song alone produced two guitar solos and one keyboard solo.

It was a 10 minute epic that solidified Fantastic Negrito’s reputation as a legendary showman. From his red silk vest to his rainbow-striped trousers, he has such presence on stage that it was virtually impossible to look at anything or anyone else.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

For the uninitiated, Fantastic Negrito is the stage name given to (in his own words) “a musician who is reborn after going through a lot of awful shit”. Every song he has written is rarely devoid of a greater purpose. There is always an underlying connection to his own personal truths and to harrowing experiences he invites others to live vicariously through music.

In songs such as Lost in the Crowd and Hump Thru the Winter, he eloquently ties in elements of traditional African-American folk made famous in the late 1800s with his own brand of blues rock. It’s an important connection he exudes so brilliantly through both his music and physical presence on stage. In fact, what makes Fantastic Negrito so unique is that his own personal narrative is just as important as his sound. Quite frankly, the narrative is the sound.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

What also defines Fantastic Negrito is his sense of humour. Most likely a consequence of a life riddled with hard and often tragic setbacks, his between-song banter is thoroughly entertaining.

Throughout the entire show, he took any opportunity to talk – often times directly – with his audience. During one interlude he exclaims: “because I’m famous I will happily sign anything you throw at me – big, small, round, wet, dry. Nothing is off limits!”, or when he noticed his fly was open: “it’s supposed to be that way – I want to share everything with you”. They are hilarious moments in the show where Fantastic Negrito shares every thought in his brain, however necessary that might be.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

As the band continues with classic numbers Scary Woman, Rant Rushmore, and Working Poor right through to brand new tracks The Duffler and Plastic Hamburgers. Every song, however heavy or soft, is delivered with such vigour and passion often times crescendoing into a dramatic finale. It is an ultimate crowd pleasing experience, particularly where music, performance and entertainment are harmonious and complementary.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

But perhaps the most memorable moment of the gig has to be Fantastic Negrito’s performance of In the Pines (Oakland). Instantly recognisable, this song is a semi-cover of the famous American folk song (of African American heritage) also known as Where Did You Sleep Last Night and The Longest Train.

Importantly, it is a song that carries with it an historic element of hardship to which Negrito ties to his personal grief of witnessing the deaths of his brother, cousin and best friend – all by gunshot. It’s a song that has such passion, such personal importance that it called for uninterrupted respect. As he told his story the room literally fell silent. It was an incredible and thought-provoking moment. One that only an artist with a genuine connection to the story could achieve.

Fantastic Negrito live at Dingwalls (Sarah Sievers)

And, as quickly as it transpired, the show came to a brisk end – over curfew but in quite an eloquent style. There was no encore. No cheering in darkness to coerce a return to stage. It was just over. More or less, this ending was a testament to Fantastic Negrito’s entire demeanour and to his “no bullshit” attitude. A charismatic, humorous and all round brilliant entertainer this is a show not to be missed – should we be lucky enough to see him again.

Fantastic Negrito will tour Europe in June, including five UK dates, before returning to the US for an album release event at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco.


Live Review by  Lilen Paulista & Photography by Sarah Sievers of Fantastic Negrito at Dingwalls on June 1st 2018.

 

The Fratellis Have A Sweet Time @ Kentish Town Forum

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022 (Simon Reed)

Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years Amidst Wave Of Drummer Changes In Rock

After nearly three decades behind the kit, Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam. The legendary drummer, 62, shared the news via social media on 7th July, marking the end of a 27‑year tenure that began in 1998. His departure comes in the wake of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour, which concluded earlier this year.

Sydney Rose @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Sydney Rose Shines In Mid-Afternoon Magic On The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

While headliner Noah Kahan was preparing to command the Great Oak Stage later in the evening, over on the Rainbow Stage a quieter but equally stirring performance was unfolding under the soft mid-afternoon sun. Georgia-born singer-songwriter Sydney Rose brought her headline tour to a moving finale, wrapping her journey in heartfelt lyrics and gently fierce vocals that captivated a festival crowd seeking intimacy amid the day’s growing energy.

Gigi Perez @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Gigi Perez Captivates London With Raw Emotion And Rising-Star Power At BST Hyde Park 2025

At just 25 years old, Gigi Perez has already carved out a reputation as one of indie-pop’s most compelling new voices — and her late afternoon set on the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park proved exactly why. Supporting headliner Noah Kahan and following a string of breakout moments this year, the Hackensack, New Jersey native delivered a deeply affecting performance filled with vulnerability, power, and soaring vocals

Paris Paloma @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Paris Paloma Brings Barefoot Magic To The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

In a festival rich with soaring choruses and star power, it was Paris Paloma’s barefoot grace and gothic romanticism that carved out one of the day’s most mesmerising sets. Taking to The Rainbow Stage on a golden midsummer afternoon, the Derbyshire singer-songwriter captivated her growing legion of fans with an intimate, emotionally charged performance that felt part séance, part storybook.

FINNEAS @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

FINNEAS Warms Up London With Heart And Humour Before Noah Kahan’s Headline Set At BST Hyde Park 2025

It’s not every day that a support slot feels like a moment of main event magic, but FINNEAS — the GRAMMY®-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist — brought just that to the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park on Friday. Performing ahead of headliner Noah Kahan and main support Gracie Abrams, the 27-year-old delivered a slick, emotionally charged set that balanced heartfelt sincerity with tongue-in-cheek charm.

Noah Kahan @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Northern Attitude In London: Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams & Friends Light Up BST Hyde Park 2025

It was, as the name requires, the perfect summer's day for British Summer Time Hyde Park on Friday. The sun was...
The Raven Age @ London Stadium (Kalpesh Patel)

Heirs To The Throne? The Raven Age Blaze Their Own Trail Supporting Iron Maiden At The London Stadium

On a scorching June evening that would culminate with the almighty Iron Maiden setting London Stadium ablaze, the...
Olivia Rodrigo @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Sophia Carey)

Olivia Rodrigo Proves That London Is Her Favourite City At BST Hyde Park 2025

British Summer Time is officially underway in Hyde Park, and the unbearable heatwave will continue to remind us all of...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing