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Pa Salieu’s comeback show at The Garage in London was more than just a return to the stage—it was a raw and electrifying statement of resilience, creativity, and connection.
The British rapper, who was sentenced to 33 months in prison in December 2022 and released after 21 months, has been on a mission to reassert his place in music. Since his release in September, he has been steadily dropping music with a joyful, unapologetic energy, delivering tracks that feel like an honest expression of his life experiences, his Gambian heritage, and the grit of his Coventry upbringing.
The anticipation for Pa’s comeback had been building and he instantly hit us with 'Belly' just days after he was back in the studio. Fans were hooked by its infectious rhythm, and Salieu kept that momentum going with tracks like 'Allergy', 'Epiphany', 'Crash' and 'Round & Round'. His recent COLORS Show performance of brand new drop 'Dece (Heavy)' further proved that his energy and creativity hadn’t dimmed. With this new wave of music, Pa Salieu has been carving out his own lane—one that draws from his roots while speaking boldly to his audience. So when he announced 'Afrikan Alien', his upcoming project, along with a headline show at London’s iconic The Garage, tickets went in an instant.
Talented DJ Jimmy Ayeni set the tone, building anticipation until the crowd was ready for the headline star. When Pa took the stage, he looked ready—not just to perform, but to reconnect with his fans and share his new music. Backed by a live band, he brought a fresh energy that had the crowd hanging onto every beat. Opening with tracks from 'Afrikan Alien', Pa gave fans a preview of the deeply personal project, and the room responded with unbridled enthusiasm, moving as if they’d been familiar with the songs for years. Pa’s passion was palpable, and his pride in his work was unmistakable.
As the night unfolded, Pa transitioned into his incredible back catalogue, but the energy hit a high when he invited Obongjayar on stage to perform 'Style & Fashion' from his 2021 'Afrikan Rebel' EP. Pa then went on to draw us in even closer with tracks like 'Energy', 'Betty' and 'Informa', weaving his classic sound into the live experience. But, it was his signature hits 'Frontline' 'Glidin' and 'My Family' that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The presence of Backroad Gee, who joined Pa on stage for a powerful reunion and rendition of 'My Family' took the night to new heights, bringing a visceral energy to one of Pa’s most iconic tracks.
The joy in the room was intense, the crowd feeding off Pa’s energy as he delivered a performance that was both a celebration and a proclamation. Pa Salieu’s comeback show was more than just music—it was a testament to his artistry, resilience, vision and undeniable catalogue of hits. He’s a generational talent who’s only getting started, and 'Afrikan Alien' promises to be the next chapter in a remarkable journey that is unapologetically his own.
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