Mahalia in Melbourne

Photographs by Ishani Buff

R&B artists from across the globe have been making their name in big cities. Mahalia - also known as the UK’s R&B sweetheart, had graciously made her way down to Australia. Singing to sold-out shows across the country, her last stop at the Forum Melbourne was nothing but unforgettable. 

In the music industry, artists like Mahalia are quite respected for not only their musical talent but core values that align and make them who they are. Acknowledging the roots from where she comes from, she has also helped aspiring musicians to perform including Kamilaroi and Samoan artist - Becca Hatch to open the show for her. 

Becca filled the atmosphere with upbeat energy with her latest hits ‘Blessed’ and ‘Think of You’. In the corner of my eye, I could see various people on Shazam trying to figure out who this talented girl was and smiles were reflected in the distance. Incorporating fast technical beats and bass that make you want to flip your hair back and forth like no other. She felt a wave of joy and immense gratitude for her opportunity to tour with Mahalia. 

Wearing the cutest white fluffy hat and boots that scream y2k, Mahalia stepped out on stage singing her all-time greatest hits ‘Terms and Conditions’ and ‘Simmer’. Even wearing earplugs wasn’t enough to block out the intensity of screams and “I love you Mahalia” from over my shoulder, but it was safe to say, the crowd was in awe of her. 

Throughout her performance, you could tell that she was a storyteller at heart. It had already made sense throughout her songs that she knew how to write the most perfect lyrics to any character. But in the way she told the audience about her journey as an artist, it felt vulnerable and eye-opening to a lot of us. It made me think that she was just like us. 

Exploring a wave of emotions through her two albums ‘IRL’ and ‘LOVE AND COMPROMISE’, Mahalia knew how to effortlessly sweep the stage with her incredible vocals and stage presence. Connecting with fans of all ages who felt like their sisters among the crowd, I could finally connect the dots to why she was known as the R&B sweetheart.