bill bowkett joins the enthusiastic mosh pit at a live performance by ace performer drake
The streets were littered with fast food packaging and coffee mugs. A huge queue of people snakes around the venue. Everyone is dressed in glorious fashion. The colourful outfits make a nocturnal rainbow. There is a whole spectrum of designer trainers and snapbacks. The level of commitment from fans is simply unreal, but this is Drake that we are talking about. A man who, at the time of writing, is almost a pop deity.
Drake has released six studio albums and sold over 10 million records. His Boy Meets World Tour has really taken Europe by storm. Drake, a man who began his career on the Canadian TV comedy Degrassi, is now up there with the likes of Beyonce and Adele on the musical pyramid. His career can be best described by the title of one of his biggest hits: “started from the bottom now we’re here.” It is not surprising that this gig was a sellout.
The atmosphere in the venue was electric. But, before everyone could see Drake in action we had to stand through five support acts - four of them were frankly terrible. Finally, the DJ played a few sets of hip-hop anthems to raise the tempo. the crowd were slightly impatient. Almost 10pm and I'd been standing for well over four or five hours. The stage looked ready, but somehow the 6 God was nowhere to be seen. Then the lights faded into darkness, phone camera’s rose above people’s heads and the roar of the 20,000 crowd erupted through the ceiling. He appeared, in a black tank top and jeans. He stood in the spotlight, taking in the reception. From then on I knew that this was going to be a special night.
Throughout the evening, he performed banger after banger, hit after hit, anthem after anthem.. Over, The Motto, Hold on We’re Going Home, Legend, Jumpman and Fake Love were just a few of the seminal songs he absolutely smashed. Each hit possessed an energy that few people that could rival.
Drake brought a whole hosts of stars out on stage. There were rumours that fellow Canadian The Weeknd would make an appearance as he was in London. But he was nowhere to be seen. Instead, we saw many artists who featured on More Life, including Giggs, Skepta and Jorja Smith. Jamaican artist Popcaan showed up with a very vibrant and energetic performance. But the biggest surprise was seeing Young Money friend and global superstar Nicki Minaj. Although Drizzy said she was ill, Nicki did not disappoint with her set, the best being her infamous anthem Only with Drake. She was like a queen on stage, no one could take their eyes from her glorious pop persona.
Of course, it would not be a Drake concert without him performing his biggest UK hit, One Dance. During this song large multi-coloured spheres descended. The lights went off, but the night was far from over, Drake had another trick up his sleeve. A giant globe inflated on centre stage and with the solar system projected on to it. Drake appeared once more and had changed into a giant black puffer coat. This is when the party really started. Before, Drake had shown his pop and R&B appeal. Now, it was straight up hardcore rap. Hits like Energy and Pop Style made the crowd fly off their feet. Then came the track Know Yourself, a personal favourite of mine. Drake encouraged the crowd to form a giant mosh pit and go crazy.
The atmosphere was incredible and I wish that I could do it all over again. Drake really did himself justice, and the wait was totally worth it. It will be now interesting to see where Drake will be going next. The little boy from Toronto really has now conquered the world.
Photograph: Bill Bowkett