On Friday, the 27th of June in London, Maka officially announced her presence on the UK scene with an electrifying sold-out debut headline show at Piano Smithfield. After years of carving her name into Nigeria’s alternative music space, the soulful singer, songwriter, and performer delivered a genre-blending spectacle that was as emotionally resonant as it was musically rich.

Opening with her defiant anthem “Screw You”, Maka set the tone with power and poise. “I like to start with this one to clear the energy,” she said with a smile, middle finger raised metaphorically and musically against judgment, shame, and smallness. From that moment, it was clear this wasn’t just a show. It was a statement.

What followed was a beautiful celebration of collaboration and community. Ukrainian composer and pianist Bohdan Reshetilov, a close friend and creative partner, stunned the room with his haunting original compositions so moving, they left the audience speechless. Then came Oloyede Tom (Philosophy), a Nigerian poet and longtime friend, whose spoken word performances stilled time with their depth and elegance.

Cuban/Lebanese guitarist Ele brought flair and charm to the stage with original songs whose melodies lingered long after the applause. Maka joined him for a standout duet: a soulful rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and a clever, crowd-pleasing twist on “Englishman in New York”, reimagined as “Nigerian in London,” a nod to her new beginnings and layered identity.

When the full band took the stage, the energy shifted into high gear. Backed by a dream team of multi-talented musicians; Rew Elkington on guitar, Project Timmy on drums, Max on bass, and Bohdan on piano, the set rolled into a series of Maka classics and unreleased gems.

“Good Time” kicked things off, followed by a long-awaited reunion with rapper Phlow, performing their 2016 track “No One” for the first time together live. The chemistry was undeniable, and the announcement of a new joint project drew excited cheers.

The setlist was a journey through vulnerability and resilience. “Jidenu M” explored emotional hesitation and heartbreak, while “Daddy’s Letter”—a tribute to Maka’s late father—brought tears and silence to the room. But as always, Maka pulled her audience back into joy, delivering sharp social commentary with unreleased tracks like “You’re Not Special”, “Let It Be”, and “Block Button” all laced with wit and honesty.

She reminded everyone of her vocal prowess on “Flood”, soaring over keys and bass, and closed the night with the crowd anthem “F.U.N”—a playful, fitting finale that encapsulated the spirit of the night: bold, brilliant, and utterly human.

The “Queen of the Stage” isn’t just a title Maka wears, it is a lived truth. Her London debut was more than just a headline show; it was a powerful reminder that music, when delivered with soul and sincerity, transcends borders.

This may have been her first headline show in London, but if the crowd’s reaction is anything to go by, it’s far from her last.