Simbiatu Ajikawo, better known as Little Simz, is a name most have heard and if you haven’t, it’s time to crawl out from under your rock because after witnessing her live performance on Thursday 16th October at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, I’m convinced she might just be the coolest person on the planet right now.
Opening the night, Greentea Peng brought sunshine energy, setting the perfect tone as she eased the crowd into a groove, building anticipation as the arena steadily filled. By the time Simz was due to appear, the atmosphere was electric.
Then, the time had arrived. The room fell into darkness before a montage of childhood photos of Simbi began to play across the screens, met with a wave of cheers and wooing from the crowd. Moments later, she emerged — calm, confident, and effortlessly stylish in an Oasis-inspired outfit, immediately commanding the stage.
The stage itself took the shape of a lotus flower, a nod to her sixth studio album Lotus, released earlier this year. Backed by changing lights, laser beams, and even bursts of fire, the show pulsed with a rave-like energy. At one point, Simz took to the decks, proving her versatility.
She paused mid-set to open up about the loneliness and creative struggles behind the album, encouraging fans to keep creating through hard times. Performing Lonely, she was met with a sea of glowing phone lights — a truly moving moment.
Hits like Venom, Woman, Gorilla, and more, sent the crowd wild. Throughout the set, Simz radiated humbleness and love, consistently interacting with the crowd. By the end, there was no doubt that Little Simz wasn’t just performing, she was inspiring. A masterclass in authenticity and power.