Shawn Emanuel is one of the UK urban scene’s most promising newcomers, so when he invited me down to a live set earlier this month, I couldn’t wait to see the caramel-voiced one in action. After signing a five-album deal with EMI, this guy has a great future ahead of him, and having supported people like Kanye West, Missy Elliott and Beyonce, it can’t be long until he himself is headlining at massive venues around the world.
I'd already interviewed him myself and by all accounts, his stage performances have been said to be legendary. But the proof, as they say, is always in the pudding. Usually I try to avoid pretentious nightspots like this one, but as it was S.E, I dug out my Gucci heals and made my way down to the swish Mayfair joint, on that quiet midweek evening.
After purchasing a ridiculously overpriced cocktail (setting me back a tenner), I came across the man himself, lurking humbly in the shadows towards the back end of the club, no entourage, nothing. He told me he’d be on at midnight, and so I eagerly waited, trying to make my drink last until then.
Finally he took to the stage, and to my surprise the vibe was extremely intimate, with Shawn being so close to the audience that it felt like he was one of us. Mr. Emanuel refused to let the technical hitches disrupt his performance and despite some problems with the sound quality, delivered an outstanding 20 minute set, leaving onlookers dancing, cheering and generally soaking up the atmosphere he was creating.
Favourites such as ‘Better Believe It’ went down a treat, but the real highlight came when he slowed it down and took to the keyboard, performing self-penned ballad ‘Keep Me From The Rain’. An obvious future hit, the emotion and honesty he exuded in his voice captivated everyone present and illustrated why he’s the UK’s great hope for the future. Supported by a full band, Shawn then burst into a bold rendition of ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder, which got everyone singing and dancing along.
He then left with one thing certain; Shawn Emanuel is definitely one to keep your eyes firmly peeled on, something that his all-singing, all-dancing and even all-playing set firmly demonstrated.
Words By: Anna Nathanson
