2025 Music Events in London

2025 seems like a year we won’t forget when it comes to live music shows. The year started off strong with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Thomas selling out two shows at the intimate KOKO London venue. Despite being known for his TV career, his recent single, "MUTT," has become a social media favorite, propelling his fame even further. Watching the tickets disappear off my screen in real time was certainly a sight to behold. Failed attempts for me and many others meant that having a Leon Thomas ticket was like holding onto gold dust! The anticipation for his show was met with social media reviews pouring out admiration for what appeared to be a moving performance.

While tickets for his show felt like a Hunger Games simulation, February became even more eventful with the announcement of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour. The UK was in luck, as London was one of only two chosen European destinations. Witnessing her Renaissance World Tour back in 2023 was a valuable experience that, in my opinion, was worth every penny. The clear investments made into her choreography, stage production, and overall atmosphere made it only right for me to see her again! This shared sentiment led to increased demand, prompting Beyoncé to extend her UK stops to a total of six dates! With several popular shows on sale around the same time, Ticketmaster’s website struggled to handle the influx of traffic. Many of us experienced website crashes, errors, and blocked access (yes, I was one of those people). After 25 minutes of queuing and near misses, I was fortunate enough to purchase tickets for myself and my friends. Excitement is high, and talks of outfits are already underway. June can’t come soon enough!

Just when things couldn’t get any more intense, another tour announcement broke the internet—Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Amidst his feud with Canadian artist Drake, the well-known rapper not only won several Grammys but also released an album and performed at the Super Bowl. Shortly after, announcements were made extending his joint tour to Europe. This dynamic duo has fans on the edge of their seats, as they’re expected to perform twice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July. Both artists have strong individual fanbases, and their incredible synergy is something many of us can’t resist witnessing live. With SZA releasing the deluxe version of her "SOS" album, fans can expect to see fresh performances mixed with classic hits and, of course, the duo’s iconic collaborations (All The Stars, I’m looking at you!).

Switching gears a bit, another artist whose live events are the talk of the town is Pitbull. We all know Pitbull, a.k.a. Mr. Worldwide, and the pop hits he’s released over the years. Footage from his recent Party After Dark Tour has unexpectedly swept across platforms like TikTok, leaving many of us intrigued. The crowd at his shows is not just made up of die-hard fans, but also casual listeners looking to have a great time. Many videos show attendees dressed as Pitbull himself, complete with bald caps and shades. This humorous aspect has boosted sales even further, leading to the confirmation of an extra date to accommodate the demand. Alongside special guest Shaggy, attendees can expect a rave-like experience at his O2 Arena dates in June.

Lastly, we have an event that will be a first of its kind in London. SXSW (South by Southwest), an annual American event, is set to bring their conference to the capital on June 5th. The event aims not only to host cross-sector discussion panels but also to have a music festival accompanying it. Nigerian superstar Tems has been chosen to headline the inaugural show. Her recent international recognition has made her the face of Afro R&B and arguably part of Nigeria’s new “Big 3.” With hits like “Love Me Jeje” and “Essence,” her success is a testament to how much African music has grown in popularity. As one of my favorite artists, I had the chance to see her at All Points East last year. Her combination of live vocals and live band elements truly makes seeing Tems a valuable experience. Hopefully, headlining the June event will inspire emerging artists, which is the goal of the festival.

xoxo
Tracey Haagsma

please note we do not own the rights to any of these photos.

Starting as we mean to go on: Exploring Culinary Delights!

This month has been an exciting journey through the vibrant culinary scene of London, with two standout restaurants making waves in their respective neighbourhoods: Akub in Notting Hill and Cavita on Wignore Street.

Akub: A Taste of the Middle East in Notting Hill

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Akub offers a unique dining experience that beautifully marries Mediterranean & Middle Eastern flavours that is Palestinian Cuisine. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for a delightful meal. The decor strikes a balance between chic and cozy, making it an ideal spot for both casual lunches and special dinners.

The menu at Akub is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality and flavor. From the moment we started with the snacks, it was clear that this restaurant takes pride in its culinary roots.

One of the standout dishes was the monkfish, perfectly cooked. It was tender, flavourful, and I paired it beautifully with the fava. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream was a must and did not disappoint.

Akub is not just about food; the service is exceptional, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Akub is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the essence of Palestinian dining.

Cavita: Modern Mexican Flavors on Wignore Street

Just a short stroll away on Wignore Street, Cavita brings a fresh perspective to Mexican cuisine. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere, with colorful decor that reflects the rich culture of Mexico. It’s a place that invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure filled with bold flavors and innovative dishes

Cavita’s menu is a testament to the diversity of Mexican food, featuring both traditional favorites and modern interpretations. We started our meal with the HAMACHI TOSTADA & CRAB INFLADITA, made fresh to order. The balance of flavours was impeccable, and it set the tone for the rest of the meal

For the main course, the MOLE VERDE & CALABAZA A LA VIZCAINA were the highlights. The rich, complex sauce created a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.

For dessert we tried 7 of their signature cocktails (we could not eat anymore) and our favourites were the Paloma & Golden Honey Bee. Their cocktails are not to be missed! It’s clear that Cavita is dedicated to providing an authentic yet innovative dining experience that delights the senses.

Take Away!

Both Akub and Cavita offer unique dining experiences that showcase the best of what their respective cuisines have to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for Palestinian delights or a lively Mexican feast, these restaurants are sure to impress. This month’s culinary adventures have certainly reminded us of the rich tapestry of flavours available in London’s ever-evolving food scene. Make sure to add these gems to your dining list!

Top 5 Studios in the UK for Photographers and Content Creators

In today's digital age, the demand for captivating visual content is so important! Whether you're a professional photographer, content creator, or simply someone with a passion for visual storytelling, having access to the right venues and studios can make all the difference. In this blog, we will explore five remarkable venues/studios in the UK that offer inspiring environments for your photography and content creation.

Modern Studios (London)

Modern Studios (London): Located in Central London, the modern Studio is a cosy 250 sq ft space, filled with luxurious decor and everything you need for your content, This studio is filled with soft lighting, making it the perfect place to unleash your creativity and bring your content ideas to life. @modernstudioss

Creators House (London):

A FREE multipurpose creative studio in the heart of London to Create your social media content and creative design all from one space. it includes a podcast studio, photography studio, DJ hub and many more, providing everything you need as a young creative especially! @creatorshouse.cic

Broadscope Studios (Glasgow):

A beautiful daylight studio including the largest infinity cove located in Scotland. This space is best known for its incredible natural light and is the perfect size to have several different shooting set ups at once. @broadscopestudioshe difference.

B30 Studios (Birmingham):

A 6,000 ft purpose-built production facility specialising in streaming and virtual events, creating the ultimate production space for you! @b30_studios

The Studio (Manchester):

This studio Keeps a neutral but warm palette throughout to allow the clean aesthetics most brands / content creators desire. Embrace the natural light, and dive into a world of versatile sets within this beautiful space @thestudiocc

When it comes to photography and content creation, having access to the right venues and studios can greatly enhance your creative ideas. the listed studios are just a few examples of the exceptional venues available in the UK. These spaces offer high quality facilities, inspiring environments, and opportunities for collaboration, making them ideal locations for photographers & content creators seeking to bring their visions to life.