THE AWAKENING TOUR: INIKO LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION IN LONDON

LIVE REVIEW | INIKO w/ Evolution Of The Revolution | LONDON KOKO 21st March 2025 by Kevin O’Sullivan & Felicity Askew

Friday night at the iconic Koko in Camden, London, Iniko delivered a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the year’s standout shows. With their powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence, they exceeded all expectations. But before Iniko took the stage, the audience was treated to an incredible opening act—a talented collective of singers who set the tone for the evening with an uplifting set of classic hits and original songs. These artists—Marlene Victoria, Ayya, Lui the 1st, and Kris—make up the group Evolution of the Revolution. What a name, and what a performance!

Evolution of the Revolution kicked things off with powerful renditions of ‘Where is the Love’ by Black Eyed Peas and ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ by Katy Perry. Their heartfelt performance, with its deeply soulful essence and rich lyrical depth, set the wheels in motion for what would be an unforgettable night. The group brings the message of their music to life, delivering it with an energy that leaves the crowd in awe.

Before Evolution of the Revolution took the stage, DJ BoyIvy set the vibe with a high-energy DJ set, keeping the crowd energized and primed for what was to come. Boldly declaring that for those who hadn’t seen Iniko perform before, their lives were about to change. And for those who had seen them before, well, it was time to continue the Awakening, after all, we were here for The Awakening album, and the Awakening Tour.

A special shoutout to Ekela, Iniko’s sister and manager, who shares the musical genius. Together, they’ve written songs for The Awakening, including tracks like ‘Speak to Me’. Ekela is also showcasing their own lyricism too on her solo project, with songs like ‘Deep End‘ and ‘Seeing Ghosts‘—the latter of which Ekela has teased they may perform live in the future. Their collaboration on The Awakening album is proof that this musical brilliance runs in the family.

When Iniko stepped on stage, it was immediately clear why they has amassed an enormous following, with 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. With over 63 million streams of ‘The King Affirmation’ and 170 million streams of ‘Jericho’, Iniko is delivering powerful truth through their lyrics and melodies, as heard in the lines: “I will be one of the greatest, that is a vow, yeah, that is a promise.”

Iniko’s loyal fanbase is a testament to the stars magnetic presence and ability to connect on a deep level. As they took the stage, the crowd erupted, knowing they were about to witness true artistry. Iniko’s performance transcended music—it was a collective consciousness brought to life. The seamless blend of soul, pop, and R&B showcased a vocal range that left the audience spellbound.

Opening with hits like ‘Armor’ and ‘Icarus’, Iniko had the crowd mesmerised from the first note. Tracks like ‘Invasion’ and ‘333’ had everyone dancing, whilst an emotional cover of ‘Staying Alive’ and a funky rendition of ‘Le Freak’ had the crowd singing along with full enthusiasm.

After a well-deserved break, Iniko returned to deliver an impressive string of fan favorites, including ‘Eden’, ‘Hourglass’ and ‘Marisol’. The intensity continued to rise with powerful tracks like ‘King’s Affirmation’, ‘Most Demons Come From Home’, and ‘Sea Shanty’, allowing Iniko to not only showcase their vocal prowess but also their captivating stage presence.

The crowd’s energy never faltered, each song fueling their excitement further. Thank God for earplugs—though it wasn’t the volume of Iniko’s performance that required them, but the deafening screams from the devoted fans, which echoed throughout Koko’s historic walls. 

It’s clear that Iniko has cultivated a loyal and passionate fan base, and after last night’s performance, it’s easy to see why. This was one of those gigs that will remain etched in your memory for years to come. Iniko is a star on the rise, and if you haven’t seen them live yet, don’t miss the chance to experience what promises to be an electrifying performance.

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