SPILL LIVE REVIEW: MICHAEL KIWANUKA w/ BASIA BULAT @ QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE, TORONTO

MICHAEL KIWANUKA w/ BASIA BULAT

@ QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE, TORONTO

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Last night’s concert at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto began with an unforgettable set from Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat, whose albums have been short listed for the Polaris Music Prize in 2008, 2014, and 2016. Accompanied by her string instruments and her powerful voice, Bulat instantly commanded the room. She moved effortlessly between delicate, folk-tinged ballads and spirited anthems, mesmerizing the audience with her emotive range. Each note seemed to echo with sincerity, filling the space and drawing listeners in. Bulat’s ability to tell stories with raw emotion while maintaining her connection with the crowd made her performance feel both intimate and grand. As she opened with a heartfelt rendition of “It Can’t Be You,” the room buzzed with energy, leaving no doubt that she had set the bar high for the night.

BASIA BULAT

By the time Michael Kiwanuka took the stage, the audience was fully charged. Kiwanuka wasted no time in taking command, opening with his signature blend of soulful vocals and rich, textured instrumentation. His voice, a unique blend of gravel and grace, reverberated through the room, drawing cheers and applause from the start. Songs like “Cold Little Heart” and “Black Man In A White World” were performed with such passion that the crowd was left hanging on every lyric. Kiwanuka’s stage presence was nothing short of magnetic, giving off both confidence and vulnerability, creating a dynamic tension that kept the audience intrigued. He treated the audience to a one-song encore that filled the hearts of everyone listening.

As the night came to a close, both Bulat and Kiwanuka left the crowd wanting more. Their powerful voices, ability to command the room, and an undeniable connection with the audience made it a show to remember. This was not just a concert—it was a shared experience, one that everyone in attendance will be talking about for weeks.

(Photography by Mercedes Chircop)

Michael Kiwanuka Photos

Basia Bulat Photos

Michael Kiwanuka Links

Basia Bulat Links

Background Photo Credit: Marco Grey

Please leave this field empty

STAY UP-TO-DATE
WITH OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

EMAIL *

FIRST NAME *

LAST NAME *

* Mandatory Field

Check your inbox or spam folder now (just in case!) to confirm your subscription.