Nataal celebrated the official launch of our second annual magazine with a night of magical music. Hosted by the newly opened The Standard, London in Kings Cross, our guests were welcomed into the hotel’s library lounge with whisky cocktails courtesy of Haig Club, and laidback vinyl sounds by Harris Elliott. Art Comes First followed on the decks with an hour of bass heavy party tunes.

Live performance formed the core of the evening with a beautiful line-up of young London talent, several of whom feature in Nataal issue two. Harris Elliott Studio presented spoken word artist Julianknxx, who treated us to some of his moving poetry accompanied by Kwake Bass on drums. His works touched on the migrant experience, the death of Eric Garner and his love for Sierra Leone.

Knxx was followed by Mina Rose, whose reggae-infused set, fuelled by DJ Taniel Rave and hype man Shishco Bob, set was the perfect accompaniment to the balmy weather outside. (Yes Nataal chose to celebrate on the hottest day London has ever experienced).

Up next, Sola’s solo show allowed her soulful voice and spellbinding sonics to soar into orbit. And closing the evening was Kwaye whose gentle guitar and songs of unrequited love left everyone chanting for more. And that’s what we got. Kwaye’s a capella version of single ‘Paralyzed’ sent us home tingling with joy.

We love you London!

Discover and buy a copy of Nataal magazine here.