Live

Kranium: Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 31/3/23

It's been an exciting few years in the reggae world, with some incredible artists breaking through. Kemar Donaldson, best known as Kranium, is one such artist who's seen his star rising since he broke onto the scene a decade ago with the global hit "Nobody Has To Know".

Shepherd's Bush Empire was unsurprisingly packed for his performance, supported by the excellent Laa Lee - himself a top-quality artist.

"Tip Inna It" and last year's massive track "Bong Bing" got the crowd warmed up perfectly, and the singer was a joyful presence who drew a huge reaction from the full room.

I'd hoped to catch Kranium pre-lockdown, and he was one of the highlights of last year's excellent City Splash Festival in London. An energetic stage presence, he had the audience in the palm of his hand from the off.

His voice is quite something and it filled the room with a strong "Live or Die" and the powerful "Hell On Earth". "Men Who March Away" was confidently delivered with his trademark swagger, while "Gal Policy" brought the party to West London.

It may have been 10 years since Kranium broke through, but there's no sound of him running out of energy anytime soon. With a follow-up to his 2019 album "Midnight Sparks" understood to be in the offing, it's likely he'll be back on these shores before too long. On the basis of this performance, it'll be worth being there when he is.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke