Emeli Sandé: Live at the Barbican
- Hilary Seabrook
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The live appearance of Emeli Sandé at London’s Barbican was a stunning show with some hints at future music to build on her already impressive and award-winning discography.
When Emeli Sandé released Our Version of Events in February 2012, it immediately captivated, with some brilliant songs. Fast-forward to 2026 and she’s got new songs as well as some of those classics - all performed to a sold-out Barbican Centre as part of the Serious Summer of Jazz Series.
Her band was incredible and this was British R&B with a touch of soul and more than a little jazz, particularly the brilliant guitar of Sonia Konaté and keys of Nicky Brown. As she began introducing the musicians and they joined her on stage, Sandé dedicated her show to the inspirational MOBO founder Kanya King, whose death was announced just a few days earlier.
The famous tunes were there, alongside some brand new ones, and all underpinned by a spirituality that drives Sandé’s songwriting. Introducing There Isn’t Much, she explained the importance of music and said: “Without the spiritual, there isn’t much”.
Sandé’s introduction to the music business was originally writing songs for others to perform and she talked about holding back Clown for the day when she’d be able to release it herself. One of the tracks on her debut album, it was also one of her most successful singles, in 2013.
Opening for Emeli Sandé at the Barbican was Mica Sefia, with pianist Cam Ward. It’s rare to see an emerging artist with such confidence and professionalism and their set was the perfect introduction to the main show. Sefia is definitely one to watch (and I suspect that Ward will also be increasingly in demand).
Sandé’s final track of the set was her solo version of Read All About It, originally a hit with Professor Green. The audience loved it.
There’s more still to come from live music producers Serious with the Summer of Jazz Series and, of course, the EFG London Jazz Festival
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