KAYTRANADA at All Points East
Gig Review
By Louis King
A Night to Remember: KAYTRANADA’s Electrifying Performance at All Points East
Last Friday, Victoria Park in East London was transformed into a sonic paradise as KAYTRANADA took the stage at the All Points East festival. The Canadian-Haitian producer and DJ, known for his infectious grooves and genre-blending sound, delivered a performance that will undoubtedly go down as one of his finest. With the sun setting after a day of sun-soaked revelry, KAYTRANADA’s set was the perfect culmination of a festival that had already delivered on so many levels. But it was his time on stage that truly elevated the evening to an unforgettable experience.
The day had been a showcase of exceptional talent, with acts like Victoria Monét, TEMS and Thundercat setting the tone earlier in the afternoon. The All Points East lineup blend of artists brought their own unique energy to the festival, with Monét’s sultry R&B vibes and TEMS’ soulful melodies providing the perfect warm-up for what was to come. As the crowd basked in the East London sunshine, these performances built the anticipation for the evening’s headliner, making the transition to KAYTRANADA’s set all the more seamless.
As soon as KAYTRANADA hit play, it was clear that we were in for something special. The crowd, already buzzing from a day of music and sunshine, erupted with energy as the first beats dropped. It was impossible to stay still; the rhythms were simply too groovy, too infectious to resist. From the first note to the last, KAYTRANADA had the entire audience moving. Whether it was the smooth bounce of “GLOWED UP” or the hypnotic pull of “YOU’RE THE ONE,” every track was a hit with the London crowd, every beat a call to dance. The music had a magnetic quality, pulling everyone into its orbit, and soon the entire park was a sea of bodies moving in unison, lost in the rhythm.
One of the most striking aspects of KAYTRANADA’s performance was just how much fun he seemed to be having. There’s something incredibly infectious about seeing an artist who is not only in complete control of their craft but is also genuinely enjoying the moment. KAYTRANADA bounced around the stage with an energy that was both playful and commanding, feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm and amplifying it back tenfold. His smile was as much a part of the show as the music itself, a beacon of joy that lit up the night. It was easy to see that he was in his element, and that energy was contagious. The crowd responded in kind, their own joy and excitement mirroring his in a perfect feedback loop that only grew stronger as the night went on.
The visual aspect of the show was equally impressive. As the sky darkened, the light show became more intense, adding another layer to the already immersive experience. Pulsing lights and vibrant colours danced across the stage, perfectly synchronized with the music and enhancing the already electric atmosphere. It was a sensory feast that complemented the music, turning the performance into a full-body experience. The combination of sound and light created a world within the festival, a place where the outside reality faded away, leaving only the music and the moment.
KAYTRANADA’s connection with the London crowd was palpable. In the days following the show, he took to Instagram to express his love for the city and its people, calling it his favourite show ever. This was no small statement from an artist who has played in some of the world’s most iconic venues and festivals. But there was something special about this night, something that made it stand out even for a seasoned performer like him. London has always been a city that knows how to appreciate good music, and the crowd at All Points East was no exception. They gave everything they had, and KAYTRANADA responded in kind, delivering a performance that felt as much like a celebration of the city as it was a showcase of his immense talent.
What made the night even more memorable was the sense of community that permeated the crowd. After a long day of festival fun, with everyone sun-kissed and slightly weary from the day’s events, KAYTRANADA’s set felt like a collective reawakening. The hour-long queues for drinks, the tired feet, and the minor inconveniences of festival life were all forgotten the moment the music started. Instead, there was a shared sense of euphoria, a collective experience that bound everyone together. Strangers danced together, laughed together, and lost themselves in the music together. It was a reminder of the power of live music, of its ability to bring people together and create memories that last long after the final note has been played.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that this was more than just a performance—it was a moment. KAYTRANADA, one of the greatest producers and artists of our time, had just delivered a masterclass in what it means to truly connect with an audience. His grooves, so instantly recognizable, had turned Victoria Park into a dance floor, and his joy had made it a place of celebration. For those lucky enough to be there, it was a night that will be remembered for a long time to come.
In the end, it was the perfect end to a perfect day—a reminder of why we go to festivals in the first place. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the moments, the connections, and the joy of sharing something special with others. And on this night, KAYTRANADA gave us all something truly special, a performance that was not just heard but felt, deep in our bones. London has always loved KAYTRANADA, and after this show, it’s clear the feeling is mutual. A big, loving shoutout to the people who made the day what it was, it wouldn't have been the same magical experience with you. Until the next time...
