WPGM Reviews: Kawala Live At O2 Institute Birmingham

As Kawala bid farewell to their fans, for the last time, the band head out on a UK tour with a stop at Birmingham’s O2 Institute for an unforgettable night. It was a bittersweet night saying goodbye but also a night of nostalgia and celebration.

Before Kawala took the stage, their tour support, Australian indie pop band, Teenage Dads, set the tone for the night. Bursting with infectious energy, they delivered a set full of catchy songs, captivating harmonies, and brought an overall fun vibe to the people of Birmingham. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, warming up for what was to come.

As the lights dimmed, cheers erupted around the room with a loud round of applause as Kawala made their way to the stage. As they all looked amongst the sea of people staring back at them, the smiles on their faces said it all. Taking in the moment that this will be their last time as a band in Birmingham, they were prepared to make this a night to remember.

Kicking things off with “”Never Really Here For Long”, the crowd sang back every word with the band. It was a strong start to the night. Vocalists Jim Higson and Dan McCarthy’s harmonies were in sync and polished, pulling the crowd in with their dreamy tones.

Kawala’s unique blend of genres was on full display, with tracks like “Jesse C’mon”, “Searching”, and “Heavy in the Morning”. The intricate musicianship of each member added layers of depth to their live performance. The set was a trip down memory lane, balancing newer material, along with fan favourites.

Midway through the set, the band took a moment to address the crowd, thanking them for their support over the years and sharing their appreciation for their fans. It was clear this farewell wasn’t just difficult for the fans but an emotional goodbye for the band, too.

As the night neared the end, Kawala delivered electrifying performances of Funky, American Adrenaline and Runaway to bring it all to an end. As the band said their goodbyes, the crowd chanted for one more song. When Kawala returned for the encore, the energy in the room was electric.

They kicked it off again with “Ticket to Ride”, a track that felt fitting for the occasion. The opening chord sent waves of excitement through the audience, and as soon as the chorus hit, everyone was singing at the top of their lungs. Throughout their set, there was a sense of joy and finality.

Then the final track to bring the night to an end was, “Do It Like You Do”, a song that has always been a fan favorite, but on this night, it felt even more special. The rhythm was infectious, the harmonies effortless, and by the final chorus, it was impossible to tell where the band ended and the crowd began.

This wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a celebration of everything KAWALA had built over the years. One last moment, one last song, and then, with a wave and a bow, it was time to say goodbye.

Words by Sarah Akomanyi

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