Music icon Stevie Wonder graced the Great Oak Stage at American Express presents BST Hyde Park last night, Saturday, July 12, for Day Nine of the festival, signing, sealing, and delivering an unforgettable evening of hits and heartfelt messages. Marking his second appearance at BST Hyde Park, this sold-out performance was part of his "Love, Light and Song" UK tour, drawing a colossal 65,000-strong crowd eager to experience his legendary six-decade spanning catalogue.
Wonder, adorned in a white tunic featuring stitched portraits of John Lennon and Marvin Gaye, kicked off his set with "Love's In Need of Love Today." He shared a poignant message with the audience, stating, "We’ve been through the hate, [but] love is far bigger. We need — in a time when this planet is too angry — light." An unexpected and deeply moving cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" followed, setting an emotional tone for the night.
The hits flowed effortlessly, electrifying the crowd with "Master Blaster (Jammin')," "Higher Ground," and "You Are The Sunshine of My Life." A spirited singalong of Jimmie Davis’s "You Are My Sunshine" added to the joyous atmosphere. A highlight of the evening saw Corinne Bailey Rae join Wonder on stage for a special rendition of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everybody Is A Star." Wonder also celebrated his musical family, dedicating "Happy Birthday" to his 13-year-old daughter Zaiah Morris and featuring his son Kailand Morris. As the sun set, classics like "Sir Duke," "Isn't She Lovely," and "I Just Called To Say I Love You" transported the audience through Wonder's unparalleled legacy. The night culminated in an explosive finale with "Superstition," "Always," and "Another Star," leaving fans in awe of the living legend.
Earlier in the day, the Great Oak Stage buzzed with phenomenal talent. Brit Award and Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective brought their electrifying Afro-beat jazz, inspiring the crowd to dance to tracks like "Shaking Body" and "Femi Kuti Tune." Drummer Femi Koleoso shared a touching anecdote about attending a Stevie Wonder gig in 2018, expressing his honour to contribute to the dancefloor for "one of the greatest musicians of all time."
Thee Sacred Souls made their London festival debut, their uplifting soul resonating with the audience as singer Josh Lane ventured into the crowd. British-Sudanese soul singer-songwriter Elmiene, a rising star in neo-soul and R&B, showcased his thoughtful tracks and paid tribute to his hero, Stevie Wonder, with a cover of "Blame It On The Sun." Guitar-wielding Corinne Bailey Rae opened the Great Oak Stage, delighting fans with favourites like "Trouble Sleeping" and "Put Your Records On," teasing her later appearance with Wonder.
The Rainbow Stage was headlined by American singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr, stepping into the limelight with his soulful vocals. Hajaj, an artist whose journey from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to the BST Hyde Park stage is a testament to artistic freedom, brought pure joy to his performance. Scottish Highlands' TAMZENE captivated the London audience with her highly-rated songs. Additional artists gracing the Birdcage stage included soul songstress Mica Miller, Afro-soul singer LULU., and London melody-maker Jon Poppii.
BST Hyde Park continues to solidify its reputation as a must-attend summer event in London, delivering unparalleled musical experiences with world-class artists.
