When it comes to music festivals, All Points East in East London has always been a must-attend event, but 2024 set a new standard for fun, energy, and unforgettable performances. With a lineup that left fans buzzing with excitement, the festival kicked off on Friday, August 16th, with a day packed full of electrifying performances from some of the most dynamic artists in the industry. From the genre-defying beats of Kaytranada to the soulful sounds of Tems and the high-energy vibes of Victoria Monét, Day One of All Points East 2024 was nothing short of spectacular.
Kaytranada: A Stellar Start to the Festival
As the sun began to set, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Kaytranada, the electronic music maestro, took to the stage and delivered a headline set that not only lived up to the hype but exceeded all expectations. With 45,000 fans eagerly awaiting his performance, the atmosphere was electric. Kaytranada, known for his ability to blend genres effortlessly, took the audience on a journey through sound. Backed by six massive visual panels that transformed with each song, his set was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the ears.
The crowd erupted when he played ‘Need It’, and the energy only escalated as he dropped Beyoncé’s ‘CUFF IT’, with thousands of voices joining in unison. But the true highlight came when Channel Tres joined him on stage for their collaboration ‘Drip Sweat’, creating a moment that will be etched in festival history. With hits like ‘Intimidated’ and ‘Be Your Girl’, Kaytranada had the audience in the palm of his hand, and by the end of his set, it was clear that he had set the bar high for the rest of the festival.
Tems: A Soulful Serenade
Over on the West Stage, Tems was greeted by what she described as the biggest crowd she had ever seen at the festival. The Nigerian singer-songwriter, known for her euphoric voice and heartfelt lyrics, was visibly moved by the love she received from the London crowd. “This energy is crazy. I wasn’t expecting this,” she confessed, and the audience responded with even more enthusiasm.
Tems took the crowd on an emotional journey, from the powerful ballad ‘Higher’ to the infectious Afrobeat rhythms of ‘Love Me, Jeje’. Each song was met with rapturous applause, and at one point, she paused to say that the audience’s reaction was making her blush. Her performance was a testament to her growing influence as an artist, and by the time she closed with the touching ballad ‘Me & U’, there was no doubt that Tems had solidified her place as a cultural force.
Victoria Monét: A Rapturous Reception
On the East Stage, Victoria Monét brought a party atmosphere to the festival with her U.K. exclusive performance. The three-time Grammy winner delivered a set that was a perfect blend of nostalgic 00s R&B and contemporary pop, complete with high production values, fascinating outfits and choreographed dances that had the crowd dancing along.
Songs like ‘Alright’, ‘Jaguar’, and ‘Party Girls’ had the audience in a frenzy, but it was the Grammy-winning track ‘On My Mama’ that truly brought the house down. Monét’s energy was infectious, and by the end of her set, the crowd’s deafening applause confirmed that she had made the East Stage her own. It was a performance that crowned her as music royalty and one that will be talked about for years to come.
Other Festival Highlights
Friday was filled with other standout performances that added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Thundercat, with his virtuosic bass playing and genre-defying sound, delivered a set that was both weird and wonderful. Tkay Maidza brought her infectious energy to the West Stage, where she showcased tracks from her breakthrough album Sweet Justice, while Channel Tres kept the party going on the East Stage with his funk-fueled, Prince-like grooves.
Day 2 of the festival was a celebration of hip-hop, soul, and artistic brilliance. Headliner Loyle Carner captivated the crowd with a dynamic performance, drawing from his three acclaimed albums. The Mercury Prize nominee and BRIT School graduate effortlessly blended retro and contemporary hip hop, delivering a set infused with his distinct British flavour. In a heartfelt moment, Carner paid tribute to hip-hop legend Nas, reflecting on how the icon had inspired his own career. The two artists shared the stage, a full-circle moment that showcased the deep respect between them.
Meanwhile, André 3000 brought a different energy to the West Stage, creating an intimate, meditative atmosphere with a mesmerising 45-minute flute solo. The performance was a spiritual journey, as the OutKast alum explored the depths of his creative mind. With his flute in hand, André 3000 delivered a hypnotic, improvisational set that was both transcendental and deeply personal, even pausing to acknowledge a flock of geese overhead—a fitting metaphor for the free-flowing nature of his art.
Nas, taking the East Stage, delivered a masterclass in hip hop, performing a set filled with era-defining classics. The East Coast icon, backed by a DJ and live drum kit, commanded the crowd's attention with his intricate wordplay and undeniable stage presence. From his 1994 debut 'Illmatic' to his latest work, Nas left no stone unturned, solidifying his status as a hip-hop legend. The day was further elevated by standout performances from Ezra Collective and Lianne La Havas, who added their own vibrant energy to a day that will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion: A Festival for the Ages
As the weekend of All Points East 2024 came to a close, it was clear that the festival had once again delivered on its promise of providing a world-class music experience. From Kaytranada’s genre-blending beats to Tems’ soulful serenades and Victoria Monét’s high-energy performance, the weekend was packed with moments that left festival-goers with memories to last a lifetime.
For those who were there, it was a weekend of pure musical bliss, and for those who missed it, well, let’s just say that All Points East 2024 is one festival you won’t want to miss next year.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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