Critic's Notebook

Little Simz Marked a Major, Sold-Out Denver Debut: Review

Little Simz has cemented herself as one of the top up-and-coming UK artists.
Little Simz performing in Denver
Little Simz at The Summit

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

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Nigerian-British rapper Little Simz made her Denver debut on November 14, performing to a sold-out crowd at Summit Music Hall. Dressed in full camo and dark shades, she commanded the stage with ease, delivering a sharp, crowd-pleasing set that moved from fan favorites like “Woman,” off Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, to the hard-hitting “Venom,” all while spotlighting material from her newest album, Lotus.

For the unaware, Little Simz is a UK rapper and actress celebrated for her vivid storytelling and fearless reflections on Black womanhood, empowerment and the world at large. Those themes rang out clearly in such tracks as “Introvert,” which united the room as fans chanted along to the line, “As long as we’re unified, we already won.” Later, she silenced the venue with an a cappella rendition of her new song “Free,” before transitioning into the full-band version.

Little Simz defies genre categorization.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

Simz’s versatility defies easy categorization; she glides effortlessly between rap, jazz, electronic, dance-punk and soul. Each shift in genre felt intentional, offering something for everyone in the room. One of the night’s standout moments came during “Venom,” when the band stepped offstage, leaving her alone under the lights to honor one of her biggest international hits.

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The audience stayed locked in, matching her energy bar for bar, especially during “Young,” a vibrant, dance-punk-leaning ode to growing up and letting go. With its pulsing bass line and carefree spirit, the track had the crowd fully entranced. Between songs, Simz opened up about her journey and ambitions, culminating in a stirring performance of “Heart on Fire,” in which she delivered the poignant line, “My life is a blessing, but it comes with the stresses.”

The show included shifts into multiple genres.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

Little Simz’s first Denver show wasn’t just a concert; it was a statement, a celebration and a powerful reminder of an artist operating at the height of her craft.

See more photos from the show below:

Related

Little Simz just released the album Lotus.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

Little Simz was born Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

She released her first album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, in 2015.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

Little Simz at the Summit.

Eman El Saied / @elsaiedphoto

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