Omar Apollo at Roundhouse
In this one-off show, Omar Apollo is magnetic. He is vibrant and effortlessly cool, dancing confidently and feeling himself, while offering some genuinely astounding vocals.
The gig opener is the live debut of his latest single Ice Slippin, and the crowd adore it, the reverb and red lights cool and spacey. Fans scream as Killing Me turns the energy up and Apollo comes alive, the slower track electric and sizzling with sensuality and longing. Ugotme is jazzy, allowing his vocals to truly shine and remind everyone that this man can definitely sing and is not to be underestimated. It’s Petrified, however, that drives this home. Before the song he is real and vulnerable, telling the audience to bear with him and not post any videos if his voice cracks. Alas, this was not a problem, at all. Apollo’s voice is like ice-cold water over rocks on a hot day, refreshing and kind of impossible. His runs are effortless and one can only stare and cheer at his talent as he opens himself up in this emotional track.
Apollo is proudly Latina, his parents hailing from Mexico, and often writes songs in a Spanish pen. En El Olvido is a standout; the entirely Spanish lyrics, the gritos, and the quiet plucking guitar create a sense of home for him in rainy London, and one can’t help but smile at someone so visibly in his element.
Invincible is clearly a fan favourite, Apollo barely needing to contribute as the audience take over and sing so loud you can feel it in your chest. Tamagotchi is wildly cool, and as he raps in Spanish and dances on stage, it’s obvious it all comes naturally to him – a performer meant to be.
Throughout the show, Apollo treats the crowd like they’re his friends, full of “I love you more”s and “this is crazy”s, often stopping mid-speech to point someone out or laugh with fans. It’s authentic and sweet to watch. Everyone is having fun, energy and joy reciprocated everywhere.
After raising the roof with the hit Evergreen, he closes the set with Go Away, and it is a dream. The song is made to be performed live. It’s vibey and fun and a perfect closer, making everyone in that room jump high, arms in the air, and sending them home with wide smiles. In his glittering bodysuit, Omar Apollo stands on stage at the historic Roundhouse, waving a Union Jack flag with his face printed on it. London loves him, and he loves London back.
Talitha Stowell
Photos: Guifré de Peray
For further information and future events visit Omar Apollo’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Ice Slippin here:
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