WHO: Mannywellz
WHAT: Concert (SOLD OUT)
WHEN: March 5, 2018
WHERE: Union Stage, Washington D.C.
HOW: EXCELLENT
It has been a while since I have done a concert review, and it’s not that I haven’t been going to shows, it’s honestly because I haven’t been to any shows that have moved me to the point of writing…until now. Monday, March 5th at Union Stage, I was in the presence of a superstar, Mannywellz. But before I get into his performance, I have to get into the night’s lineup, Little Bacon Bear a radio personality/ DJ, and Sydney Franklin both were awesome openers for the show. So let’s get into in it.
I’ve been to a number of concerts in my life, each concert is different and consists of a variety of acts. The number of shows that I have been to that has DJ’s is limited, but every show with one has brought a different energy to the set. That is exactly what Little Bacon Bear brought to her set. Walking into the venue and hearing her set mixed with classic bops like Destiny Child’s, Bills Bills Bills to more contemporary songs such as Rae Sremmurd’s Sway and Fetty Wap’s My Way. One thing that I took note of Little Bacon Bear during her set were her outfit and her focus. The focus never left her equipment, constantly adjusting levels, selecting songs, and being an overall boss of her set.
I can only describe Sydney Franklin’s music as easygoing, mellow, and emotional. She and Mannywellz are both associated with House Studios and she thanked him for letting her open. While performing her debut EP Make it Hurt, she had a live band accompanying her. All parts of her set were great, her EP is filled with songs of love, hurt, and regret all feelings that she conveyed during her set. Her sound is heavily influenced by elements black culture, her soulful sound choir-like backing, and R&B sound are great elements of her EP.
I’m not sure where, to begin with, Mannywellz performance, only because his performance was more than that, it was honestly an experience. Imagine a room filled with people from all walks of life with the sole purpose of supporting someone who they have seen grow up before their eyes. You might imagine the room to be overflowing with unconditional love and admiration to the point where it becomes palpable. That is what it was like witnessing Mannywellz sell out his first home show. Mannywellz and House Studios flawlessly executed the show, from lighting, merchandise etiquette, and great live music.
What made this show excellent to me was the level of expertise that Manny had, I knew that he had come off tour with Jidenna a while ago, and still I was taken away by his level of showmanship. His energy never waned, his ability to connect with the audience was astounding, and his stage presence on ten. There was one point in the show where he was almost moved to tears. Recalling the story of his arrival to America and the struggles that he had to endure when he learned that he was not a legal citizen. Even through recalling his personal story he did not fail to engage the audience in everything. He wanted his show to be about the power of unity, how we can all come together to create change. His cover of Bob Marley’s One Love solidified the sentiment in the room.
Mannywellz on stage was a great experience, his live band gave all that they had and then some. Mannywellz performed songs from his album Soulfro and there was not a soul in the house who wasn’t singing along with him. With each song, Manny added a different element to his set, incorporating his own drumming skills with his Gangan, adding a cellphone skit into his performance of Do Not Disturb, and constantly dancing throughout the night. Without a doubt, Mannywellz is a talented artist and is going places in this industry. (He’ll be performing at SouthxSouthWest this year)
The Alt Black 
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