Nayana.AB headed to Yussef Dayes Presents: Summer Dayes on Sunday, August 4th, at South London’s Crystal Palace Bowl. She reports back on a day of incredible live music, West Indian food offerings, jelly coconuts, yoga classes with Dave Dayes (Yussef’s dad) and more…
Walking into Brockwell Park you were immediately hit with the soothing sonics supplied by Venna coming from the stage. As we entered, it was a pleasant surprise to be greeted by so many familiar faces—people I grew up with, friends and those who have been part of the scene for years. The sense of community was palpable, with everyone coming together to celebrate not just the music, but the culture that binds us all.
The sun was shining and all my beautiful
Black brothers and sisters were outside!
Summer Dayes, a brand new festival experience for summer 2024, was alive with people of all ages, some walking hand-in-hand with their children others hand-in-hand with their partners. I even spotted Yussef himself strolling around with his daughter, a heartwarming sight that added to the familial atmosphere. The crowd was a mix of young and old, all united by the love for music and the vibes of the day. It truly felt like a modern-day “Summer of Soul.” Amidst the backdrop of disarray with EDL protests, it was uplifting to see such a diverse crowd gathered in peace and harmony, celebrating together.
THE PERFORMANCES I CAUGHT…
Venna
The vibe during Venna’s performance was simply beautiful. His soulful playing was captivating, with every note resonating deeply with the audience. It was nothing short of mesmerising, as each note seemed to dance through the air, adding a rich, melodic layer that was both soothing and powerful. His band was equally amazing, and the interplay between the musicians was spectacular, creating a seamless and dynamic musical experience.
Hearing Venna speak between songs is always kind of amusing. We were joking that we expected him to open his mouth and sound a bit nerdy, but instead, he sounds like mandem! His voice is full of streetwise confidence—instantly relatable and authentic
Jordan Ward
Jordan Ward brought an incredible amount of energy to the stage—so much so that at times, I thought he might actually lose his voice! From the moment he stepped on stage, he was a ball of pure enthusiasm, engaging the crowd with every word, every movement. His performance was electric, and you could feel his passion radiating through the entire venue. The way he commanded the stage, interacting with the audience and keeping the energy levels sky-high, was truly impressive.
However, as much as his energy was infectious, there was a small sense of disappointment when we realised he didn’t have a full band with him. For an artist of his calibre, a live band would have added a richer, more dynamic layer to his performance. It’s understandable, given the logistics and costs that come with touring, but it did leave me wishing for that fuller, more immersive sound. And then there was the autotune. While it’s a tool that can enhance certain performances, in this case, it wasn’t really hitting the mark. Instead of complementing his vocals, it sometimes felt like it was detracting from them, making the performance feel less authentic. Jordan’s voice has a raw, emotive quality that didn’t need the heavy effects; in fact, it might have shone even brighter without them. Despite this, his energy and connection with the crowd carried the performance, keeping everyone engaged and excited throughout his set.
Sango
Sango’s DJ set was more than just a performance, it was in fact an absolute vibe, a musical journey that took the audience on a sonic adventure across continents and cultures. From the first beat to the last, he seamlessly blended a wide array of genres, creating an experience that was as dynamic as it was cohesive. His set was a masterclass in how music can transcend boundaries. He took us from the vibrant streets of Brazil with favela funk, straight into the underground sounds of garage, then dipped into the smooth rhythms of R&B, the undeniable beats of hip-hop, and rounded it off with influences from Nigeria and South Africa. Each genre brought its own flavour, yet they all connected in a way that felt natural and intentional. The set was lit, not just because of the music itself, but because of how effortlessly Sango navigated through these different sounds, showing us how interconnected they all are.
Sango’s DJ set was a journey, not just through different musical genres, but through the very concept of music as a living, breathing entity. It was a performance that celebrated the past, embraced the present, and hinted at the future, all while keeping the crowd moving and fully engaged.
Greentea Peng
Greentea Peng has quickly established herself as a distinctive voice in the music scene, blending neo-soul with what she describes as “psychedelic R’n’B.” Her sound is as unique as her style—effortlessly cool, deeply reflective, and always drenched in good vibes. She’s an artist who doesn’t just perform; she creates an atmosphere, an experience that transcends the usual boundaries of genre and expectation. She didn’t disappoint during her performance, delivering exactly what her fans have come to love—an aura of laid-back yet intensely soulful energy that envelops the crowd. Her music seems to flow naturally from her, as if she’s channelling a deeper, spiritual source. It’s the kind of vibe that makes you want to close your eyes, let the music wash over you, and just be in the moment.
One of the highlights of her set was when she gave us a sneak peek of her new tune called ‘Tardis.’ As soon as the first notes hit, you could feel a collective wave of excitement ripple through the crowd. The track was pure vibes—hypnotic, with a groove that was both soothing and invigorating. ‘Tardis‘ encapsulated everything that makes Greentea Peng’s music so compelling: her ability to merge introspective lyrics with lush, expansive soundscapes that invite listeners to lose themselves in the music.
Yussef Dayes Experience
Honestly, words can’t do justice when it comes to Yussef’s show. An experience that transcended the ordinary, something truly breathtaking. From the moment you arrived, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember. The stage was set right in front of the water, an ideal backdrop that amplified the atmosphere in a way that felt almost otherworldly. As the lights flickered and danced across the water’s surface, it was as if the entire scene was alive, pulsating with energy in perfect harmony with the music.
The crowd was a sea of beautiful people, each one lost in the moment, swaying to the rhythm that Yussef and his band so masterfully crafted. It was a sight to behold—an entire audience moving as one, connected by the beats that flowed effortlessly from the stage. The music seemed to carry a magical quality, weaving a spell that held everyone captive, if only for a few hours. The lights, the water, the music—all of it came together to create an atmosphere that was nothing short of enchanting.
Adding to the night’s magic was Yussef’s decision to bring out some incredible special guests. Venna, Luedji Luna and an amazing harp player that I’m sorry I did not get the name of.
I had the chance to speak to a few people about why spaces like this are important for the culture and community:
Zuko: “Because it is the culture. We need to continuously push forward the culture; it’s very important, and that’s what this festival is doing.”
Nkok: “Spaces like these are so important, so we can recognise where we’ve come from, the journey, and where it gets us. We need to continue that for more generations down the line.”
Rxwntree: “It brings everyone together, man! Everyone is here vibing, no matter your color or race—everyone is enjoying.”
Insight: “This feels like a Black event, and we don’t get this all the time. Big up to Yussef for that.”
All in all, it was a beautiful day, a celebration of music and community that left everyone feeling uplifted and inspired. The only drawback was that the space wasn’t quite large enough to accommodate the full extent of the event magic. It was clear that the demand and enthusiasm for such a gathering are immense, and a bigger venue could have allowed even more people to experience the incredible performances and vibrant atmosphere.
Given how special the day was, I genuinely hope this becomes an annual event. It’s clear that there’s a deep appreciation for the music and the sense of community it fosters. An annual celebration would not only continue to bring people together but also provide an opportunity to expand and enhance the experience even further. Here’s to hoping that this is just the beginning of something truly remarkable.
Follow Summer Dayes HERE or Yussef Dayes HERE.
Words: Nayana.AB Nayana’s currently studying for her Masters as well as championing her own soulful strain of jazz fuelled R&B. Nayana can be heard performing with UD’s Flames Collective and hosting and curating events like UD Open Mic and Orii Jam.
