A night with Mike Hough at the 02 Islington Academy was a creatively filled, musically encouraging evening. Industry, bloggers and supporters from the UK were present at the event.

1Xtra’s Ronnie Herel was the host, spinning some hype tunes for the night. His knowledge of the current chart was evident as he got the crowd bopping their heads, even children as young as 5 were present singing along. The elder members were getting down to the rhythm, including Dancer/Krumper Claire Hough (Mike's sister).

As the show begun the stunning Cynthia Erivo was the first act to open the night singing a Frank Ocean cover and then an original. It has to be said, Cynthia’s vocal tone is so warm yet pure and some of her high notes had the crowd in absolute awe. Her stage presence was captivating and her passion, originality was evident as the crowd was very pleased with her performance. Two songs didn’t feel like enough but she opened the show nicely.

Next up was previous MOBO acoustic session featured artist Miss Cleo Sol in her funky colourful jacket blinged earrings and crop top. She looked and sounded fresh. Her natural charisma and enigmatic swag on stage made you feel comfortable watching and listening to her sing. Another vocal diva, the crowd wanted more.

After a few more tunes from Ronnie the Baker Boy band with backing vocals from Shan Smile, Kyle Andre and Cynthia Erivo graced the stage with a musical introduction.

Mike Hough then came on and the crowd went nuts for him. Performing a Keri Hilson duet with Cynthia – their harmonies and on stage chemistry was flawless and exciting to watch.

Mike opened with “Young Forever” and sung another seven songs. The band sounded epic especially the harmonies on “These Notes”, one of Mike Hough’s originals (Daniel De Bourg & Mike Hough). He sung tracks including Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song” – with guitar from Shaun Stuart and “Hero” (Written by Mike & Jermaine Riley) which was vocally flawless. As he closed with “Nothing to Lose” (the crowds favourite judging by the levels of noise from the audience).

He exited the stage and the band followed leaving the audience on an adrenaline rush and a natural buzz.

Apart from some technical issues with sound levels that were ever so slight (& to most an unnoticeable glitch) the show was overall Epic and we at MOBO wanted to see more of Mike Hough and his band and hope to in the near future!

Catch Mike on our MOBO Acoustic sessions along with Cleo Sol and many others… Click Here!

Words: Eleanor Peters-Savva (@EleanorOfficial)