Potentially Leicester’s greatest musical gift to the UK, Mahalia Burkmar—more commonly known as Mahalia—has achieved an impressive array of milestones in a remarkably short span of time. The neo-soul singer-songwriter holds a prominent position atop the list of artists coveted for collaborations. The momentum she has gathered since her 2016 debut album “Diary of Me” mirrors a snowball’s rapid descent down a mountainside.
With three full-length albums already under her belt, including this summer’s “IRL,” Mahalia’s reputation has soared, gracing billboards across the country as she embarked on her nationwide tour.
During one of her final tour stops in Bristol, Mahalia drew a devoted legion of fans, rapidly filling the O2 Academy to capacity within minutes of the doors swinging open. Despite the tight space, the atmosphere was charged with palpable excitement, as attendees wore wide smiles and peered eagerly into the stage’s dimly lit abyss.
As Mahalia elegantly graced the stage, the eruption of screams and excitement was so intense that I was grateful for my ear defenders. She seamlessly transitioned into the ‘IRL’ track ‘Ready,’ offering an enthralling 22-track setlist spanning all three albums. Mahalia emphasized her aversion to the practice of solely playing one album, ensuring the setlist included elements from each phase of her musical journey—an approach warmly embraced by the audience.
Throughout the night, the energy in the venue was electric, a symbiotic exchange between the artist and the crowd, with both feeding off each other’s enthusiasm. Songs like “Slimmer” and “What You Did” further fueled the already vibrant atmosphere within the sold-out, former cinema.
Mahalia’s stardom is more than well-deserved, showcasing her multifaceted writing talents. She had everyone moving and dancing throughout the performance, especially during the encore song ‘Terms and Conditions.’ This exceptional night firmly establishes her as one of the UK’s freshest and top-tier musical talents.
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