Reviews

Sub-clauses state that a delayed start should always be observed, stopping tracks mid-flow is mandatory, an hour is the absolute maximum you should be on stage and unexplained departures must be thrown in at least three or four times.

Kanye West (pic: Shirlaine Forrest)

It’s an infuriating state of affairs at any time, but when the performer is as talented and impressive as Kanye West, it’s particularly frustrating. Add to that, the fact that the bass from his DJ’s decks was pushed so high, you couldn’t pick out the impressive string septet that sat in place of his backing band, and anger levels were threatening a push into volcanic proportions.

It’s a testament to West’s brilliance, then, that he still managed to produce a gig that was something approaching satisfying and, at times, truly world class. He may have stopped tracks because he forgot the words, stopped tracks because if he played them, he’d “be in trouble with the label”, and even stopped tracks to put on a different jacket, but somehow, his snazzy trainers and fine voice saw him through.

Most of the credit for any success goes to the phenomenal energy he can hurl into his performance. Things may have been disjointed, but when he truly hit a groove, like on the rollicking versions of Gold Digger and All Falls Down, he revealed why he’s hit superstar status.

Drenched in sweat, he threw crowd-pleasing moves, dashed around the stage and even fell to his knees in mock humility, all the while providing numerous clap-along, sing-along and chant-along opportunities.

The result was that, by the time he delivered a stunning Jesus Walks and closed proceedings with a truly joyous Touch The Sky, his delayed start and the interruptions had been all but forgiven. This may not have been the smoothest of performances, but it was a truly unforgettable one, and that, surely, is what makes Kanye so interesting.