Review: Nia Smith has you in your feelings, and you’ll enjoy it

In her sold out headline show, South London singer-songwriter, Nia Smith showcased her raw talent, endless energy, and that it’s okay to sing at the top of your lungs about a failed relationship. 

Entering the stage in a custom Nike fit, designed by Gina Corrieri and fresh pair of Timbs, Nia kicked off the show with her EP opener 'Payback is a Dog', stepping in with full energy, dance moves, and backed by a full band that gets the crowd vibing and swaying almost immediately. Next to her incredible vocals and magnetic stage presence, Nia created an almost instant connection with fans that felt deeply personable and intimate. 

Performing songs from her latest EP “Payback as a Dog”, including ‘Stuntin’, ‘High’ and ‘Limit’, Nia had fans singing along to lyrics like “Cause I'm too damn fine to be sitting inside, And I know it don't mean nothin' to Mr. Can't Get Right”, telling the ladies in the crowd to ‘stand on business’ as they engage with men in relationships. 

Credit: Lawrence Haseley

Nia’s performance of upbeat songs from her latest EP where she encouraged fans to dance and groove, was balanced out by her performing a mix of slow tempo songs like ‘Reckless Soul’, ‘War with Myself' and a cover of Lauryn Hill’s 'Ex-Factor' that had fans in their feelings. 

Nia showed her vocal and musical range, as well as her thoughtful and caring nature which she invited fans to participate in.

Half way through the show, Nia invited fans to sing happy birthday to her father who was in attendance, and later on she presented the first person standing in the queue a custom ‘Payback is a Dog’ denim jacket. Ending her debut show with heavily popular songs like ‘Tough’, ‘Personal’ and her latest single ‘Mr Right’, Nia evoked all emotions from fans.

Whilst many of Nia’s songs focus on feelings of frustration, emotional turmoil, and disappointment when trying to save some form of a romantic relationship, her songs remind you you’re not alone and it’s okay to be unapologetic and expressive about the messy and unruly nature of it all. 

Being relatively new to stardom, the singer-songwriter from Brixton has shown her stage presence and performance is rooted in the same energy of the music she produces - raw, intentional, and overwhelmingly honest.