Live in concert at the Electric Brixton in London, French rapper Niska, set South London on fire on Tuesday night.
We have the scoop on that evening. With “Réseaux”, “WLG”, and his recent track with DJ Diplo “Boom Boom Bye,” Niska has definitely stepped up his game on the international scene. For months, promoters Crosstown Concerts advertised the arrival of the Evry-Sur-Seine native on social media.
Even though the tickets were not sold out, it is safe to say that a large number of French expats and English speakers were looking forward to seeing the artist.
The night before, L.A. rapper Jay Rock blessed the stage of the Electric Brixton. The bar was set really high. To be on top of the charts in France and in Africa is one thing, but being as appealing, live, to a crowd where about 40% of the public doesn’t necessarily understand French slang is another thing.
After experiencing a long ticket line with Bryson Tiller and SZA look-a-like young and trendy people, came the whole security process. Then we learned that Niska was not going on until 9:55 pm — after 8 acts! The first three acts were DJ’s. Local UK rappers Ambush and Zie Zie, also took part in the adventure and turned the room upside down with some Grime and Bashment vibes.
At 10:00 pm, Niska honored us with his presence. He kicked off his set with the song that catapulted him to fame “Matuidi Charo.” It is an anthem dedicated to French soccer player, Blaise Matuidi. From the top of the venue, the crowd looked like an amazing inferno. Niska rapped about about drugs, women, thug life and success, he knows how to tell a story and entertain the crowd. Niska did a solid job despite the sound system being mixed. We just wish he performed his hit with Diplo!
“I heard Trap music is done ” is one of his most memorable lyrics. Tuesday night at Electric Brixton, Niska proved them wrong.