“A Jazzy, Soulful Dream”: Singing with Sasha Keable at the Southbank Centre by Diya Sohi
If you’d told younger me — the version still strumming acoustic guitar covers and obsessively rewatching Sasha Keable’s ‘Fine China‘ cover on YouTube — that I’d one day be singing with her live at the Southbank Centre, I’m not sure I’d have believed you. On the 18th of June, I had the honour of performing with Sasha Keable at Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival — the 30th edition of the iconic series. I joined her on stage as a backing vocalist with the Flames Collective — a performance I’ll never forget.
The Lead-Up
Our journey began with rehearsals, led by our incredible Musical Director (MD), Andy Gilbert, who crafted vocal arrangements that allowed us to connect deeply with Sasha’s music. We had previously rehearsed her tracks ‘Why‘ and ‘Hold Up‘, both of which are incredibly distinctive in tone – ‘Hold Up‘ is energetic and bold, while ‘Why‘ carries a haunting beauty that resonated with me instantly — it became one of my favourite songs to sing from the moment I heard it.
On the day of the performance, we also learned ‘Feel Something‘, an unreleased track Sasha co-wrote with Leon Thomas. As both a singer and an actress, I’ve looked up to Leon for a long time — his transition from television to respected musical artistry has been powerful to witness. Singing this song live, with Sasha and her phenomenal band, felt incredibly special.
@flamescollective Flames backstage rehearsing @Sasha Keable “Feel Something” ???????? #sashakeable #feelsomething #newsingle #rayechoir #flamescollective_ #meltdown #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – FLAMES
The Performance
The show began at 9pm. We first performed ‘Feel Something‘, a moving piece that helped to set the tone for the evening with its depth and emotional clarity. After watching Sasha’s solo set from backstage, we returned to join her for ‘Why’ and ‘Hold Up‘.
Performing ‘Why‘ on that stage, with a full band and an audience who knew every word, was a moment I’ll never forget. There was one couple singing the lyrics to each other, completely immersed in the music — it was a quiet, beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.
‘Hold Up‘ brought an entirely different energy. The audience was on their feet, and the atmosphere shifted into celebration. Towards the end of the song, Sasha invited a few of us to riff, and Andy selected four vocalists to do so. The response from the audience was incredible — it felt like a genuine exchange between the stage and the room.
Being on that stage held a personal weight for me. The last time I had been in Queen Elizabeth Hall, I was in the audience. To return as a performer, singing music I deeply connect with, alongside an artist who has shaped my own aspirations — that was deeply affirming.
Behind the Scenes
Before the show, we were gifted New Balance outfits — matching yet unique to each person, which felt symbolic of the choir’s collective strength and individuality.
After the performance, we were invited to Sasha’s dressing room, where we had an honest and generous conversation. She listened to each of us and shared insight on maintaining integrity as an artist, trusting our musical direction, and staying grounded. It was moving to be seen not just as performers, but as individuals with stories and creative journeys of our own.
We had also recently received news that the incredible Pamela McCormick, founder of UD and a guiding force behind Flames Collective, had been awarded an MBE for services to music education. Her impact on our lives and careers cannot be overstated — this night felt like a celebration of her legacy as much as it was of our performance. Everything Pam does for us — the hours, the care, the belief — it’s priceless. She deserves every flower and more.
Gratitude
This opportunity was made possible by so many generous, talented individuals.
* Thank you to Sasha for believing in us and taking the time out to share, listen and inspire us. You’re an incredible artist and person.
* Thank you to Sasha’s band, who were not only brilliant musicians but also warm, lovely people to chat with backstage.
*Thank you to Andy Gilbert, for your guidance and arrangements that always bring the best out of us.
* Thank you to Kadian Foster, for organising our day sheets and keeping everything flowing.
* Thank you to Jade and Sasha’s co-manager, Justin — it was lovely meeting you both.
*And of course, thank you to Little Simz, who heard us sing during rehearsal — a few of us had just seen her live at the Dazed x Miu Miu event, so to know she heard us was surreal. Thank you for curating a festival that uplifts and celebrates London’s musical talent.
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Words: Diya Sohi. Diya is a singer and actress — you may know her from the Tracy Beaker franchise on CBBC. Diya continues to act, but she is now also building a sound rooted in R&B, jazz, and pop. Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok as she shares new music and moments from the stage.
