Passion, Creativity And The Ability To Be Moved| BBC Radio 6 Music Festival

Radio 6 Festival welcomed an all-inclusive, jam-packed night of passion, creativity and individuality on Saturday evening.

BBC RADIO 6/SHIRRLAINE FORREST

The closing night was headlined by critically acclaimed spoken-word poet Kae Tempest, with support from American singer songwriter, Perfume Genius after previous nights featuring Mercury Prize winners English Teacher and Ezra Collective.

Radio 6 DJ Sherelle span into the night with her hardcore jungle set, blending afrobeats through the mix and unleashing the crowd for the night ahead.

RADIO 6 MUSIC/ SHIRLAINE FORREST

Seattle art-pop master, Perfume Genius unravelled himself on stage, like a malleable piece of plasticine curling his body to the music. His angelic touch against the heavenly reign of his vocals ushered the crowd into a free-loving atmosphere.

The sleek-moving singer opened their set with seraphic lead single ‘It’s A Mirror’, from their latest album ‘Glory’, released the day prior. Entangling winds of lights surrounded the soloist in an acrobatic convoluting brilliance. The showcase portrayed the innermost conflicts of the singer, often finalising performances soloing in a chair spotlighted in solitude.

BBC RADIO 6/ SHIRLAINE FORREST

Radio 6 and Catatonia’s Cerys Matthew’s welcomed Kae Tempest to the stage with a brand new, unheard set. A translucent curtain shielded the backing singers, before Tempest stormed the stage, arms wide in gratitude for the roaring crowd. Their first official debut of new material since the 2022 Top 10 album ‘The Line Is A Curve’. Taking form in the titles of ‘Diagnoses’, ‘Prayers To Whisper’, ‘Till Morning’, ‘Geronimo Blues’ and ‘Know Yourself’. Stand out track ‘Diagnoses’, an infrastructure rattling bass driven new track, blazoning the lyric ‘I’d be more worried if we weren’t disturbed’ proved an intimately provoking display.

This is a brand new special thing that we put together for this occasion. I made it to headline. It’s a long time, it’s a long time coming to right now. I woke up so full of gratitude.’
Kae Tempest at BBC Radio 6 Music Festival Saturday

There was a communal sense of appreciation for the poet’s comeback, with silence during their performance juxtaposing its usual concern in exchange for respect and concentration at Tempest’s profound words.

Watch ‘Firesmoke’ below.

Across the festival, BBC Radio 6 have collated an eclectic and striking weekend, however Saturday evening’s proved a poignant and characterful show. Should you not hold subscription to the previous statement, know you lack the belief in creativity, passion and the ability to be moved.