It’s also no secret that – with just the one album – Mvula’s arsenal isn’t exactly packed with hits (just yet). But expectations at the Olympia are still high. And backed by a five-piece band – with siblings Dionne and James Douglas in its ranks – the Birmingham singer-songwriter doesn’t disappoint, delivering a short but perfectly formed set, clocking in just shy of the hour mark.
Dressed in turquoise and black, with a long black headdress and striking silver make-up, Mvula cuts an imposing figure. Even when crouched behind her red piano during an opening salvo that includes the beautiful non-album track ‘Let Me Fall’, she exudes so much warmth and positivity it’s impossible to take your eyes off her.
It’s not all plain sailing. During the opening chords of ‘She’, an apologetic Mvula instructs her band to stop. “This song is so quiet, you won’t hear the words,” she explains. If the chattering young ladies standing in front of the sound desk are reading this, I think she was talking to you! Order restored, the Divine Ms. M’s emotive delivery is stunning.
The sweetly tender ‘Flying Without You’ and atmospheric ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ follow, the latter flowing into a huge sing-along of Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’.
Now riding an irrefutable wave of positivity, Mvula delivers a few more ballads, of which the heartfelt ‘Father Father’ stands-out, bringing a tear to many an eye, including the author, who confesses to needing a stiff drink afterwards.
Jazz, soul and pop are combined on hits ‘Green Garden’ and ‘That’s Alright’, which round out the night in emphatic toe-tapping fashion.
Simple, gimmick-free and genuinely entertaining, Mvula’s first trip across the Irish Sea is an overwhelming success. Bring on that second album!