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10/02/2023

Little Simz with Osiris Tha God at the Roseland Theater on 09/27/23 - Review + Photos

By BENJAMIN MAH: Photos and SARAH PAYNE: Review // Some concerts are really, really great. Some are even epic. But then there are some that are an "experience,” like the sold out show Little Simz gave at the Roseland Theater in Portland on Thursday, September 27.

Little Simz, Osiris Tha God play to sold out show at the Roseland

Some concerts are really, really great. Some are even epic. But then there are some that are an "experience,” like the sold out show Little Simz gave at the Roseland Theater in Portland on Thursday, September 27.

Producer, emerging artist and collaboration friend with Little Simz, OTG, also known as Osiris The God, was the opening artist for the night. And while he might have performed solo on stage with only the recorded music tracks from his recently-released first album queued up on his laptop, OTG is a man with presence who fills the stage. But it’s a calm presence, as if the British-Jamaican hip-hop artist has all the time in the world to spend with us, make sure the vibes are sound and to share his music, most of which, OTG admits, he wrote in his mom’s basement.

With a low-fi edge and an undertone of Jazz, OTG’s tracks felt like an encouragement — an acknowledgement that sometimes life was kind of hard and that’s okay, we will get through it. And if OTG’s vibe felt like it would get you through the hard times, Little Simz’ felt like it would empower you to smash right through them, on your terms. Her 90-minute set was an explosion of art, performance and incredible sound from the 29-year-old British-Nigerian hip-hop artist. From the moment Little Simz stepped onto the stage in her black bomber jacket, white dress shirt and black tie, she owned it, captivating the crowd with her music and her energy.

While a large part of her set included tracks from her most recent album, No Thank You (“Angel,” “Heart on Fire,” “Broken,” “Gorilla,” “X”), she included crowd favorites from older albums like Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (“Introvert,” “I Love You, I Hate You,” “Point and Kill”) and GREY Area (“Pressure,” viral favorite “Venom”), and one unreleased song. Throughout her set, Little Simz was backlit by a projection of silhouettes of Black men and women moving in rhythm and offering a visual perspective to the artistry of her music.

Little Simz’ musical influences and undertones are a celebration across Black culture, drawing from Gospel, spoken word, urban Rap, African beats, R&B and even a little Spanish guitar mixed in. She goes from gritty Rap to soft stripped-bare singing, from heavy beats to pared down guitar, from building empowerment to baring her soul. And she does it all so naturally and so cohesively, melding from one song to the next in what is just cool, effortless artistry.

Little Simz’ talent and artistry are undeniable — with five successful albums, 16 music awards, and six television and film appearances, all by the age of 29 — but so is her genuineness. Watching Little Simz doesn’t feel like watching someone put on a performance or a convincing act. She’s an introvert truly excited to share her music, her artistry and herself, with a willingness to leave us all with a little piece of herself.

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