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Supafine – the monthly showcase night held every last Saturday at the Smuggler’s Tavern, central London - has had some of the capital’s finest live acts grace its stage. The idea behind the gigs, according to promoter DJ Speedy, is for artists to bring their diamond-in-the-rough, unfinished pieces to the attention of an audience who will appreciate the raw talent on display. As the artist feeds off the crowd’s reaction they can later refine the finished product.
Since its inception in 2007, Supafine has been host to the likes of
Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Kevin Mark Trail and
Heidi Vogel. Last Saturday’s mouth-watering line up included
Lyric L, Sarina Leah and Best unsigned act MOBO-winner,
Fola Phillips.
First up was poet
Lyric L, whose gift for spoken word has seen her share a platform with
Omar, Izzi Dunn, Ty and
Incognito to name a few. Her confident delivery, naturally humorous manner and witty lyrics are evidence enough of why she is in demand.
This double disc compilation is a truly international project featuring various artists working under the ‘37th State’ appellation. With the likes of Tony Allen, Dele Sosimi, Slum Village, Terri Walker and Keziah Jones on board, the listener travels sonically from Africa to the US stopping off frequently in the UK.
Judging from the colourful illustrations of an airport-based party depicted in the artwork, this intercontinental flavour was always the intention. It’s good to see acclaimed non-mainstream UK wordsmith’s such as Ty, Breis and Lyric L getting a look-in too.