THE BOP LIVE -LOCKDOWN FESTIVITIES
On the last drizzling weekend of Lockdown 2.0 here in the UK, I scrolled through playlists on YouTube looking for music to lift my mood. The Bop Live, a virtual music showcase of grassroots talent deriving from Croydon, South London was the perfect match to my search and created the much-needed festival vibe that has been sadly missed (due to the pandemic). Read on as we recap how it went down.
The Bop Live was curated by Setting Da Standards Entertainment to change the narrative and showcase talent in the Croydon area. Over time creative venues for self expression have been closed, this festival shines the light on the borough and creates a safe space for creatives. The event was set to feature 4 main headliners and 15 supporting acts including the themes of rappers only, Croydoners only, alternative R&B and an all female line up. Resident DJ Sashi kicked off proceedings with a vibrant DJ set which doubled as the soundtrack of the event.
Setting Da Bars Stage was up first inside Limitless VR, a popular virtual reality café to build the perfect scene for authentic rap performances. Le3 Black kicked off the set with his vibrant track ‘Beam’ detailing mental health and working towards his goals in the music industry. A crucial topic in these challenging times, his succinct lyrics on the electronic melody laced over an R&B beat was an absolute vibe. BoyNash Da Great left the virtual crowd speechless as he came to tell a story through spoken word, about the reality of living in South London. He then transitioned into his tracks ‘Shackles’ & ‘Dreams’. DXVL brought the stage to a close with the original UK Rap/drill sound with his popular tracks “Ctrl + S” ft. Deevi & ‘Reefer’.
Le3 Black 
Boy Nash 
DXVL
The Yes Gurl Stage was next on the schedule, set inside Project B was up next to inspire and empower young women with an all-female line up. Presenter/R&B singer Isha Davis set the tone with solemn lyrics paired with R&B funk production on “Jel”. Coco Mageeda impressed with a spirited performance of original tracks ‘Reice Believe, Get Through It’ & ’Grind’ illustrating versatility with smooth vocals and unique rap lyrics. Shanelle-Jae blessed the virtual crowd with soft vocals about intimacy on ‘Do It’. Gospel R&B artist Asha Elia closed the stage accompanied by a live band to perform “Follow You, Dreams & Serve” from her debut EP “New Woke Deal”. The solemn chords of the piano paired with the tone of her smooth yet powerful voice grabbed my attention. The talent was overflowing virtually and I was here for every second of it.
Asha Elia 
Isha Davis 
Coco Mageeda
After a short break to refill my cocktail, The Floor Mag Stage was next up, keeping the alternative R&B sound going. Set inside The Front Room, a legendary performing arts theatre. Emily Mutaako had the virtual crowd in their feelings with a deep soulful acoustic rendition of ballad ‘I Bet’ by Ciara & ‘Still Feel Like Judas’ an original track from her EP, Heart and Mind. Her vibrato filled riffs was a crystal clear indication of the great level of undiscovered talent. The soulful jazz tone continued when Solaariss, producer/multi-instrumental artist and saxophonist took to the stage, blending a range of genres in a jazz rendition of the classic ‘I Just Wanna Make Love to You’ and original track ‘Not Your Solsi’. His saxophone solos lead the tracks beautifully. With a consistent theme of chilled-yet-soulful vocals, blending over an array of rhythmic melodies. Production-wise, its up-tempo beat aesthetic and soulful jazz riffs were the perfect composition for a chilled vibe.
Emily Mutaako 
Solaariss
The final stage was the Croydoners Stage, capturing the familiar aesthetic through the legendary setting of Reggaemasters record store, notorious for blazing the reggae scene in the heart of Croydon. Deanna Chase, an alternative R&B singer performed ‘I’m Yours’ and newest track ‘Let Me Know’ ft. Hachi, a dancehall inspired song with a pulsating drum baseline. Shivon Kaine, formerly featured on The Voice 2019 continued the R&B vibe; as she took to the stage next with love ballads ‘What’s on Your Mind?’,‘Sold Your Soul’ & ‘End’. Her emotional riffs and soulful vibratos were enough to push the virtual crowd deep into their feelings!
Deanna Chase
Flintz brought a perfect R&B, hip-hop & grime blend to the stage with ‘Power’ a relatable track about the obstacles we face in life. The 20 year old rapper ended his set with a freestyle about his navigation and position in the industry, aptly titled “Underrated”. He ended with an unreleased feel good track ‘Arianna’ featuring Rico Digits, which will definitely be a track for fans to enjoy next summer. Finally, the time had come for the Croydoners stage to come to a close with its highly anticipated headliner, Still Shadey with the fitting introductory track “Excuse Me Miss” a lively freestyle to reintroduce himself to the industry in 2020 after his successful debut album ‘Croydon Baby”. The 24 year old charged up the energy and party vibe with his tracks ‘Heaven, G.A.N.G.’ and ‘Focus’ ft. R. Scar. The saxophone carries this track beautifully with a pulsating drum bassline. At this point I was out of my seat feeling the festival vibe in my living room.
Still Shadey
Reality hit me that this is only virtual enjoyment but as a lover of music and raw talent, I was able to gage an undisputable level from this event and line up. Great production, lyrical flows and intricate social messages ensures that The Bop Live will definitely be an event to watch when festivals can resume and that South London has a showcase that it can be proud of.
