Sofia Camara at Brixton Academy
Sofia Camara’s only London show is heaving. Excitement bounces off the walls of Brixton Academy as fans buzz with anticipation following Jack Dean’s support set. This is Camara’s first headline tour, and after a venue upgrade, both floors are still crowded and eager, especially with the new EP, Hard to Love, released just last week. The draped fabric that adorns the stage matches the venue’s baroque ornamentation, setting the atmosphere for a night of soft yet full-bodied melodic sound.
The Portuguese-Canadian singer opens with Anyways How You Been?, and is met with an audience singing every word back. She delivers a raw and magnetic performance, engaging with the crowd as young fans reach up to her, feeling every word. Her songs are a refreshing balance of heartfelt songwriting and addictive melodies that resonate deeply, and as she performs, her undeniable talent lights up the stage.
Between songs, she gives attendees what they want, reading fans’ signs and accepting gifts thrown from the barricade. Delivering charismatic quips and emotional introductions to some of her favourite and most personal tracks, Camara’s performance is immersive and genuine. Thanking the fans again and again for showing up, she tells them, “There is truly no better feeling than playing for you guys.”
After playing Starlight to a sea of phone torches waving high, the singer appears on the mezzanine to sing the next few numbers. Engaging from this point, it’s clear that Camara wants the whole audience to feel seen and appreciated. This connection peaks when Something Better, a clear favourite, is echoed by the room singing each line as she delivers an emotional performance from the balcony.
The performer returns to the stage for a cover of Gracie Abram’s That’s So True, perfectly suited to her voice and sound. Once again, the whole venue is passionate, dancing and singing along with her rendition. Keeping this energy, the next few songs follow with the same chanting and clapping, the set punctuated by excited squeals and cheers.
The night finishes with an encore of Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent), and right to the very end, Camara’s powerful yet vulnerable sound rings out across the voices singing back. With such an engaging and emotional performance, it’s easy to understand why her fanbase is so enthusiastic. As the lights come up and the music dies, Sofia Camara leaves behind a room still buzzing with resonance.
Daisy Grace Greetham
Photos: Robyn Sully
For further information and future events, visit Sofia Camara’s website here.
Watch the video for Parking Lot here:
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