Obonjayar at City Recital Hall, 16 June 2023 with CINTA and Agung Mango
Review and images by Eileen Cantwell

The City Recital Hall presents another in it’s ‘Switched On’ series, described as a ‘sonic shift to contemporary music’. Tonight’s line-up included CINTA, Agung Mango and headliner Obongjayar.

My attendance needs some context. Irish born and Australian for nine years, I’m a massive fan of Afro Celt Sound System with a long famine of live gigs. To say I was overly eager, with open expectations of both the venue and artists is an understatement.

City Recital Hall is a venue of tranquillity, and even the journey there enhances the feeling of another world – walking along Pitt Street with the expected nightlife, hustle and bustle of Vivid, and two overly enthusiastic freelancer DJs on electric bikes/portable speakers. There is a downward shift in energy as you take a small turn onto Angel Place and the doors are wide open, conveying a sense of welcome. I liken it to a paradise hotel when your shoulders relax and you know only good things are on the way. I was not disappointed.

First on stage was CINTA — a divine presence with a vocal ability to reach into your heart and extract all emotions. With only her voice, keys and back-up vocals she beckoned your attention and left us wanting more. She is an act I would seek out as a headliner.

Next up, Melbourne rapper Agung Mango was a great surprise. Already an accomplished artist he gave 100% performing in this unusual setting – a seated audience being a far cry from the underground rap scene. He took it all in good heart but a more interactive audience would have provided that extra layer he needed. With some great back-up vocals and beats he should be proud of his end-to-end display.

Nigerian-born artist Obongjayar arrived on stage in a striking green jumper and beige skirt, beckoning the seats at the back to be emptied and fill the aisles before he started – duly understood and adhered to.

With only a flicker of knowledge of Nigeria by way of author Chimananda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Half of a Yellow Sun, I knew I was going to feel passion, heart and intensity, but what about the music? Nothing could have prepared me for Obongjayar’s presence live. He performed with intensity and sought the soul of each member of the crowd as he stared knowingly, and what seemed like individually, evaluating the energy of their souls. After a general sense of approval and a praise to the spirits in the venue, the striking green jumper was removed and the remaining performance was done topless with extravagant moves in a tight space.

His performance was both stirring and unique. Soulful and energetic, contemporary while at times drawing on tradition. African dance was incorporated in tracks like his latest single, Just Cool and other funky beats like, Protein, Point and Kill and Gone Girl, leaving a lasting uplifting impression, with a genuine exchange between crowd and performer creating a union tonight.