Roots Manuva @ Brixton, 4 March

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Originally uploaded by infinite.

What with all the buzz and excitement of the DMZ Allnighter, I haven't had a chance to mention Friday's Roots Manuva gig at Brixton Academy. After what seemed like an age, Mr Manuva (aka Rodney Smith) finally hit his hometown big style and was greeted with gusto from the crowd. Startin with the Steptoe and Son theme tune seemed perfect for someone like Roots who has carved a true UK style out of his South London-Caribbean upbringing, avoiding the pure Hip-Hop tag in favour of dub/ ragga styles. The gig showcased what is perhaps his most developed and stylised album to date- Awfully Deep- a true representation of the amalgamation of styles and culture unique to South London. Laughin' as he sang it was obvious that Roots Manuva was slightly bemused by all the attention but eventually, developed the confidence to dance on stage and get the crowd goin with talk of his growing up around the corner. Highlights of the gig for me were Chin High, Babylon Medicine and Colossal Insight but undoubtedly it was the old one's that really did it- Witness, Dreamy Days and my most favourite Roots Manuva tune, Tears which he kindly left til last. This was a Big, Bad gig and worth the lengthy wait. As for the photo- exposure wise, it's not the best of the bunch, but it's definitely my favourite one of the lot as it seems to capture the joy that the Brixton boy done good was feeling. www.rootsmanuva.co.uk