Griff at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

2021 has propelled many young new artists to stardom, and one of the shiniest examples goes by the name of Griff. Since winning the Rising Star award at the BRIT awards in May, the singer-songwriter-producer has released a critically acclaimed and album-charting mixtape, One Foot in Front of the Other, performed on primetime TV, and recently received multiple MTV EMA nominations. At the age of just 20, Sarah Faith Griffiths can now add the accolade of a sold-out night at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, following a storming run of UK shows. 

It may be her first headline tour but there’s something confidently yet humbly self-assured about this artist, whose creative identity spans from a signature bubble braid hairstyle to handiwork on stage, confessing that she was sewing the set backdrop just the night before. Of course, the music was the main focus as she blitzed through the mixtape, starting with the titular track – to immediate audience recognition and delight. The singer showcased her impeccable range and impressive vocal runs, her RnB-flecked voice capable of both powerful falsetto and managing the male vocals of 1000000x Better, originally a collaboration with the band Honne. 

The mixtape cover art features the image of a tightrope – and quite aptly: the versatile musician balanced tender ballads and dance-pop seamlessly throughout the show, from the delicately reflective Good Stuff to the upbeat Heart of Gold, featuring a smart mashup with Lorde’s Royals. Not only multifaceted in style, there was constant switching of lead instruments too. In fact, only supporting drums and keys/synths were needed in this understated set-up; the half-Jamaican, half-Chinese performer somehow managed to dance her way to filling the entire stage effortlessly. 

In new single One Night, Griff asks for “one night where it’s just me alone”, but it was definitely not this evening. The cheering fan support is evident in the singalongs but also mutual, with the singer pausing to take a selfie mid-show and involving audience participation in a live loop demonstration during Sound of Your Voice. Her flair for production is undeniable and it’s refreshing to see such daring experimentation on stage, executed in a minimal, downplayed way. An energetic, natural performer, one would think Griff had been touring for years. 

Closing the performance with arguably her biggest hit, Black Hole, it’s clear the name Griff isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. On the contrary, it’s been a stellar year for the artist, and if she keeps putting one foot in front of the other, the continuing success is surely only the start of something even more astronomical.

Bev Lung

For further information and future events visit Griff’s website here.

Watch the video for the single One Night here: