Oshun + Praisepoda + Maya Law
Hailing all the way from NYC, hip-hop soul duo Oshun lit up the Norwich Arts Centre for their first ever headline show in the city.
Local songstress Maya Law opened the night, flowing through her set with ease. She flitted from more upbeat numbers to crooning stripped back acoustic heart wrenchers. Maya beamed with glee, as she showed charismatic joy performing. With her engrossing full-bodied vocals, slick toe-tapping beats and a charming stage presence, she was the perfect warm up for what was to come. She said it was to be her last Norwich gig for a while, but she is definitely one to look out for whenever she hits the gig circuit again.
Preluding the spectacle of Oshun, “pilot” of the night Praisepoda got the crowd riled up with a short DJ set. Oshun glided onto the stage immediately bringing the heat. With effortless chemistry and vigour, they tightly spit verses in stupendous harmony. Self love, uplifting empowerment, and manifesting a brighter tomorrow flowed throughout the entirety of their show. “Rise In Love” particularly resonated, bringing an inspiring change in perspective on embracing love and building yourself up. The punchy bass-lines and heart pumping production emblazoned the floor with many giving way to the flourishing euphoria.
They had a particularly sweet connection with the audience, at one point pausing for a cute quiz moment as they tested die-hard fans to name tracks bars are from. They charmingly referred to their fans as the “sunflower squad”.
The show felt like an intergalactic exploration of the body and the soul, packed inspiring lessons from beginning to end. The music excels in a live capacity, as they cover identifiable themes combined with irresistibly funky melodies.
The party didn’t even stop as they exited the stage, as Praiseproda was back churning out the bangers making sure the party never ends.
With flawless transitions, fiery energy throughout, and a refreshingly optimistic presence, Oshun successfully brought the heat to Norwich. This is the kind of show that is likely to be ingrained in the heads of many for a long-time, leaving pearls of wisdom to carry everyday.
