Overjoyed: Stevie Wonder filled BST Hyde Park with love
The icon closes a memorable BST Hyde Park.
Photo: Bethan Miller-Carey
It was my first time at BST Hyde Park and it didn’t disappoint. Saturday was a night filled with pure soul, jazz and R&B for the real lovers, with arguably the greatest R&B singer of all time headlining the night.
Some amazing artists opened up for the legendary Stevie Wonder. What made it special was that every artist chosen for the Great Oak Stage had a personal connection to Stevie’s music.
Corinne Bailey Rae opened up the event and shone bright with her light soprano or mezzo-soprano voice. She gave us classics, including Put Your Records On and Like A Star. An angelic, graceful artist whose music is deeply heartfelt — and, boy, did her heart shine on the night.
Next to grace the stage was the amazing Elmiene. Elmiene, are you sure you didn't grow up singing in church? If you’ve never been to a praise and worship church, then I’d advise you to put on an Elmiene track; he makes you feel like you’re in a praise and worship session. Such power, strength, passion and heart transcend from his voice. His set list included Light Work, Endless No Mores and Crystal Tears.
The lyrics of Endless No Mores were especially moving to me: “Light doesn’t glow no more” — the irony, as the light in Elmiene’s voice was glowing so bright — “All my life I’ve failed… half my words untold.” His words are definitely being told and heard in his music, and I can’t wait to see his legacy unfold.
Thee Sacred Souls were next to grace the stage. Of course, they stunned with Can I Call You Rose?, arguably one of their most striking songs, beaming with rich notes of Motown and Daptone. Pretty sensational, in my opinion.
If you close your eyes while listening to Thee Sacred Souls’ music, you almost feel like you’re transcending into an alternative universe. Lead singer Josh’s voice needs to be studied — I felt like I was in a time capsule going back to the ‘80s when Motown was a powerful part of Black history, giving voice to a movement and opening doors for Black artists during a defining time. The band are without a doubt helping to keep those doors open for emerging artists. I just wish I could have stayed through that door during their set.
“Baby, let’s get right into it,” the sweet sound of Sasha Keable’s voice blessed the crowd when British jazz quintet Ezra Collective brought her out during their set. As someone who’s obsessed with the saxophone, I was in my element every time James Mollison played. There were sounds of the trumpet blaring from Ife Ogunjobi, and Femi Koleoso made me feel like I was an eleven-year-old kid back at church, listening to the drums. Drums for me set the scene every time for the most vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Last but not least, Joe Armon-Jones gave you such passion on the keyboards, setting the tone for every song. Their set closed with the uplifting God Gave Me Feet For Dancing. It was such an electric moment to see the crowd jumping in unison in the blazing heat, clapping to Yazmin Lacey’s soulful and captivating voice — a standout moment I won’t forget.
Photo: Isha Shah
Now to the man himself: Stevie Wonder! If I could only use one word to describe his set: Overjoyed. You couldn’t help but feel the emotion in every song and shine through Stevie’s heart, as he spoke with such warmth about the importance of love in the world, losing the ones you love, and the power and role music can play in someone’s life. The set was also full of humour and sarcasm — I, of course, can’t forget the iconic harmonica, and something incredibly special: the support of his children, who took turns to sing on the night and honour their father’s legacy.
Stevie’s set had to be one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. The sun was starting to set around the time he sang You and I: “Here we are on earth together, it’s you and I. God has made us fall in love, it’s true.” I think the whole crowd was starting to fall in love with his performance by that point. To share such a touching moment with an R&B legend who gave us nothing but love, heart, joy, humour and truth through his words was unforgettable.
One of the most powerful parts of the night was hearing Stevie speak about the importance of progress for blind and disabled people. It touched me, as he reminded me of my late grandad, who was also blind. To see a man, at 75, singing a 30-song setlist, advocating so openly and tenderly for others, was truly inspiring. He showed that disability doesn’t have to define you or make you weak — it’s your strength, your unique power.
As was another standout song of the night with the poignant lyrics, “As the seasons know exactly when to change / Just as kindness knows no shame / Know through all your joy and pain…”.
I think that was one of the most meaningful messages Stevie gave us that night, especially when he spoke about how music can be the hope in someone’s life. The line, “As today, I know I’m living for tomorrow,” perfectly sums up how we should all try to ride this wave of life.
Stevie ended the night perfectly by saying three little words I think we all need to learn to say more: “I love you.”
Stevie Wonder’s Setlist
1. Love’s in Need of Love Today
2. Imagine (John Lennon cover)
3. As If You Read My Mind
4. Master Blaster (Jammin’)
5. Higher Ground
6. You Are My Sunshine (Jimmie Davis cover)
7. You Are the Sunshine of My Life
8. Everybody Is a Star (Sly & the Family Stone cover) with Corinne Bailey Rae
9. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours
10. Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing
11. My Cherie Amour
12. Lately
13. Overjoyed
14. Stranger on the Shore of Love
15. Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) (Aretha Franklin cover)
16. Sweet Love (Anita Baker cover)
17. Contusion
18. If You Really Love Me / Sweet Thing (Chaka Khan and Rufus)
19. You and I
20. Save Your Love For Me (Nancy Wilson cover)
21. I Just Called to Say I Love You
22. Living for the City
23. Sir Duke
24. I Wish
25. Isn’t She Lovely
26. I Can Only Be Me (Keith John cover)
27. Happy Birthday (Sung for Stevie’s daughter)
28. Superstition
29. As
30. Another Star