Photos & review by Sophia Fraser
Camden’s KOKO was played by the absolutely phenomenal 070 Shake this past Monday. The moment she emerges from behind the backdrop illuminating her silhouette, and the lights start flashing while being cheered on by hundreds of fans, is the moment I realize this isn’t going to be just any normal night.
Opening with ‘Sin’, the atmosphere is electric, pulsating with a charge that rips through the whole venue. The minimalist stage setup enables Shake to move around the stage, interacting with die-hard fans in the front row, leaning over them, and them singing along with her with bright grins on their faces.
When speaking to the crowd, you can really see the love Shake has for her fans. She thanks a fan named ‘Rocky’ who has followed her across all her tour dates. In a tongue-in-cheek moment she celebrates someone who apparently called in sick from work to attend the show: “Fuck work… just kidding”, she laughs, earning a massive roar from the crowd.
However it is a quiet, intimate moment that stands out. Before stripping back the production and preparing an acoustic performance of ‘Wine & Spirit’, she takes a moment to reflect: “Our lives move so fast…thank you for being here”. She jumps into the song with just her and the guitar, and lets her vulnerability and voice fill the room while the crowd sways, moved by the emotional resonance.
Towards the end of the set, a surprise collaboration lights up the venue. As the opening notes of ‘Escapism’ sound through the speakers, RAYE steps onto the stage. Glass in hand, she joins Shake as the crowd soars with cheers and screams of excitement. Their chemistry on stage is electric; two women commanding the room with effortless cool and talent.
And just when it seems the surprises are over, Little Simz makes an entrance, joining Shake to perform ‘Sim Simma’. The crowd goes wild. Seeing two genre-blending powerhouses share a stage is a rare and thrilling experience. The crowd screams along to every lyric, and a feeling of synchrony and community spreads, reminding everyone of the strength and importance of the UK music scene.
In a very moving exchange with the crowd, Shake addresses them from the heart: “Anyone that doesn’t want to be here… this life is weird, but we need you. I need you. I stay here for you – you stay here for me”. The room falls into a respectful hush, the connection between Shake and her fans palpable.
She closes with ‘Ghost Town’, the track that first introduced many to her voice. It is a night of affirmation, energy, and community, reminding us all why live music still matters. 070 Shake didn’t just perform at KOKO – she created a shared experience.
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