Raleigh Ritchie plays The Old Blue Last in London

Hot on the heels of his pace-setting peers from across the pond, Raleigh Ritchie headlined the iconic East London venue last night, flying the flag for the UK with another impressive and thoroughly enjoyable early show.

The young Britsolian – also known for his appearances as Grey Worm in the monster hit HBO series Game Of Thrones – is producing a warm brand of R&B, evoking to likes of Frank Ocean and Drake, thanks to his most immediate double-talent: a vocal with equally expressive power and silky smoothness, alongside a knack for rap with simple, effortless flow.

From opening track “Pay It Forward”, Ritchie wastes no time showing the crammed floor what his live show is about; all smiles and boundless energy, flailing arms and legs accompany the drum-heavy jams, contrasting his intensity during the darker emotion-fuelled refrains.

The brooding “Stay Inside“, radio-ready hit “Bloodsport” and “A Moor” with its shrill, Kanye-esque sample initiate excitable cheers and a genuinely successful sing-along, proving what a loyal following he already enjoys; one that is undoubtedly and deservedly set to multiply significantly.

Alongside a proper live band – complete with screaming guitar solo and frenetic drum-fills – Raleigh Ritchie’s live show feels polished and complete at this early stage and, perhaps most importantly, despite deep inspirations behind the songs, there is something relentlessly happy and enjoyable about it; impromptu flash dance anyone?

Setlist
Pay it Forward
I Can Change
Stay Inside
A Moor
Free Fall
Keep It Simple
Bloodsport
Stronger Than Ever
Never Better