Why We Love We Out Here | Festival Review

Words: Sunita Dhaliwal

August 22, 2024

This weekend, We Out Here shows it is a festival of LOVE in many ways. Their fifth sold out edition, welcomed festival goers with open arms for a weekend of pure love, music and good times. Setting the stage for an eclectic programme, including sounds of jazz, soul, hip-hop, house, funk, afrobeat, electronica and more. The festival catered to a wide spectrum of music lovers with exciting live performances and burgeoning talent, while also providing a platform for emerging talents to shine.

Like many other independent festivals, WOH have created a space to preserve and protect clubland and the culture that comes with it. This is an event carefully curated by Giles Peterson which is a win for diversity and celebrates world music in all its guises.

It all kicked off with Loraine James, Sainte, Ron Trent, and Gilles Peterson, followed by Mount Kimbie, who brought the legendary songwriter King Krule on stage, igniting the mainstage on Thursday night and setting the tone for the stellar headliners to follow.

Friday night at the festival was marked by a mesmerizing performance from the elusive Sampha, who commanded the main stage with a captivating display of his vocal prowess and intricate percussion skills. His live take on Roy Davis Jr. and Peven Everett’s “Gabriel” offered a soulful reinterpretation, transforming the classic house track into a delicate ballad that resonated deeply with the audience.

Friday’s lineup delivered an unforgettable night of music, starting with Ebo Taylor’s set, which felt like a joyous family gathering on stage. Mercury Prize nominee Floating Points then took things to the next level with his electrifying live electronic hybrid set. Aba Shanti-I kept the energy high, getting the crowd moving, while Joy Orbison and Shanti Celeste closed out the night with a seamless blend of dance music classics and hard-hitting techno anthems.

Corinne Bailey Rae‘s set was a testament to her artistic evolution, spanning over two decades. She moved effortlessly between electric guitar and chimes, each song a carefully crafted narrative that highlighted her depth and thoughtfulness as a musician. R&B/Soul legend Dee Dee Bridgewater then elevated the energy, followed by the globally acclaimed house music producer Louie Vega.

The Rhythm Corner Detroit legends Moodymann, Andres and Wajeed presented a homage to the legendary Amp Fiddler, a figure who was pivotal to the music culture in Detroit. UK rap and grime MC CASSIDEAD took the stage at Lush Life, with tracks from his latest album Famous Last Words, infused with ‘80s synth lines and a twilight ambiance, before hip-hop and artistic collective Silhouettes Project showcased its rising talents with a highly energetic set to a rapturous reception. Luke Una commanded The Bowl for a marathon 6-hour set, as revellers danced in the setting sun to French-house icon Laurent Garnier, before the inimitable Djrum pushed the boundaries in his typical style to close The Grove on Saturday night.

André 3000 took the stage and headlined Saturday with a very rare flute performance, which was quite a pivotal moment for the festival.

Sunday brought an electrifying performance from Obongjayar, whose set oscillated between moments of raw vulnerability and high-octane rockstar energy. His confidence was palpable, especially during the infectious, jazz-infused “Point and Kill,” a track that never fails to ignite the crowd.

One of the festival’s standout features is its spaciousness, even during peak moments. Being able to move and dance at festivals like this is pure joy and again a careful consideration for the WOH team.

This year’s festival was a powerful testament to community and togetherness, with a clear emphasis on fostering inspiration, support, and growth within a dynamic network of artists, fans, and leaders. In the wake of recent conflicts and race riots in the UK, the event emerged as a much-needed celebration of unity through music, offering a space where people could reconnect and heal. The atmosphere was electric, as attendees and performers alike shared in the joy and connection that only live music can bring.