Day 2 of Victoria Park’s All Points East and it’s all about home turf headliner, Loyle Carner. But first I caught Sainte, a rapper from Leicester, who delivered a powerful performance closing the Cupra North Arena stage at All Points East. As the final act of the stage, Sainte brought a fresh energy that had the crowd buzzing with excitement, demonstrating his unique blend of UK rap with a laid-back, soulful vibe.

All Points East 2024 (Lucy McLachlan/Northern Exposure)

The audience was fully engaged throughout, with him performing hits like ‘Champagne Shots‘ and ‘Envy Me‘, which showcased his lyrical skill and charismatic stage presence. Sainte’s ability to connect with the crowd was evident, with fans rapping along and constant movement throughout his set. His confident delivery and seamless interaction with the audience created an intimate atmosphere, despite the festival’s large scale.

Closing the Cupra North Arena stage, Sainte proved why he’s one of the rising stars in the UK rap scene. His performance was both a celebration of his journey so far and a hint of even bigger things to come.

Ezra Collective (Shannon Lopez/All Points East)

Ezra Collective delivered an exhilarating performance at All Points East, captivating the crowd with their vibrant fusion of jazz, afrobeat, and hip-hop. Their infectious energy and tight musicianship had the audience dancing from start to finish. The band’s seamless chemistry and dynamic stage presence made them one of the highlights of the festival, leaving fans eager for more. Definitely my favourite performance of the night. Overall, Ezra Collective’s performance was a masterclass in live music, blending technical prowess with a genuine connection to the audience. They left a lasting impression, solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting acts in the UK music scene today.

NAS (ishashahphotography/All Points East)

Nas delivered a captivating performance at All Points East, performing to the audience with his legendary lyricism and classic hits. His set was a seamless blend of old-school anthems and recent tracks. Nas’s stage presence was as powerful as ever, engaging the crowd with his storytelling and charismatic flow. The performance was a testament to his enduring influence in hip-hop, leaving fans energised and appreciative of his timeless talent.

Andre 3000 (JRCMCCORD/All Points East)

Andre 3000‘s flute performance at All Points East was a surprising and captivating highlight. Known primarily for his work in hip-hop with OutKast, Andre’s foray into woodwind music showcased a different facet of his artistic talent.

He approached the flute with a refreshing blend of skill and improvisation, creating a serene and introspective atmosphere that contrasted with his usual high-energy performances. The performance was marked by fluid, melodic lines and intricate patterns, demonstrating his deep musicality and ability to explore new genres. The audience was visibly confused but hooked, with the unique nature of the set adding an unexpected and memorable dimension to the festival. Andre 3000’s exploration of the flute not only highlighted his versatility but also reaffirmed his status as a pioneering and innovative artist.

Loyle Carner (Bethanmillerco/All Points East)

Loyle Carner’s headline show at All Points East was a compelling showcase of his lyrical depth and heartfelt storytelling. As the headliner, Carner commanded the stage with a blend of introspective lyrics and engaging live performance. His set featured a mix of tracks from his critically acclaimed albums, including crowd favorites like ‘Damselfly‘ and ‘Still‘.

Tom Misch joined Loyle Carner on stage (Sharon Lopez/All Points East)

Carner’s performance was marked by his genuine connection with the audience, being in his local area of Homerton, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere despite the large festival setting. His smooth flow and personal storytelling resonated deeply with fans, reflecting his growth as an artist. The show also highlighted his impressive ability to blend emotional depth with infectious energy, making it a standout performance of the festival. Being joined on stage by Tom Misch for ‘Damselfly’ and poet John Agard  who he sampled for his song ‘Georgetown’.

Poet John Agard appeared alongside Carner (Sharon Lopez/All Points East)

Overall, All Points East delivered an impressive lineup of diverse musical talent across its stages. The festival’s atmosphere was vibrant, with engaging sets that catered to a wide range of musical tastes. The blend of established acts and emerging artists, combined with excellent production and crowd energy, made this year’s event a memorable success.

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