Music
London’s vibrant amapiano scene was heightened on April 10th with Skyla Tylaa’s presence. A defining tastemaker within the global club scene. This sold-out show celebrated culture, rhythm and community. Known for her seamless fusion of amapiano, global club and afrobeat sounds, Skyla Tylaa curated an exciting evening that brought together emerging talent and an exuberant crowd pulsing with energy to dance the night away. As a result of this, this high-energy showcase established her position in London’s music scene.
From the start of the evening, excitement had filled the space in the setting of the palatial elegance of KOKO’s historic interiors, with its multi-tiered layout, complete with sweeping balconies and a packed main floor, buzzed with a sense of imminence. The stage was set up for an unforgettable night.
The crowd’s eagerness promised something extraordinary even before music started.
To welcome the crowd, Kamo and Lulaz opened the evening with their magnetic chemistry, setting an engaging tone through their performance. The sound system and dances immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention with infectious beats and rhythms. As the first act, it became clear that the night was off to a powerful start.
Next to continue the momentum was AB Dollars, a DJ who elevated the space with an electric set with confidence and charisma. She delivered a pulsating performance which engaged the audience effortlessly. Her set maintained the excitement of the crowd, ensuring the build-up for the next set.
Philou took the stage next and joined Lulaz, bringing a vibrant sonic vibe to the lineup. His sounds were polished and held the audience’s attention, further amplifying the high-octane atmosphere inside the venue. By this point, the crowd was fully absorbed, dancing as a community inside the chandelier-lit room.
Taking centre stage, Skyla Tylaa delivered a standout set, effortlessly commanding the space. She orchestrated a genre-spanning selection rooted in Amapaiano while weaving in Afrobeats, Afro-house, and hints of 3-step. Another memorable moment was when Kamo joined Skyla behind the decks, dancing alongside her. The dancing in the crowd was relentless, jumpy, joyful, and completely immersive, capturing the spirit of the night.
A defining moment came when she played ‘Vele Uyena’, her collaboration with Solaariss. The captivating saxophone, alongside the track being played live, echoed a wave of euphoric sound.
Lulaz was guiding the evening energy , her charisma and crowd control kept the energy high and transitions smooth. Both the presence of Skyla Tylaa and Lulaz strengthened the atmosphere, ensuring the audience remained engaged from start to finish.
Even after Skyla’s set, the collective engagement remained blazing with intensity as guests stayed into early hours to catch additional DJs such as Miro, J Gadget, Nesa Thea and Willz, reflecting both the line-up’s stature and Skyla Tylaa’s curatorial vision. Each act contributed to an unforgettable celebration of sound and community, closing the night on an exhilarating high.
Skyla Tylaa’s sold-out show at KOKO was a defining moment in London’s amapiano scene – the bridging between continents and genres, captured the ever changing music scene, and a star in the ascendency.—-
Words: Ona Ngwuocha // @stargirll4u
Photography: Nana Kinq // @nanakinq
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