Hope Tala - O2 Academy Islington

The O2 Academy Islington was packed out, and the energy in the room felt soft but expectant. The kind of crowd that came to feel something, not just hear songs they already loved.

When Hope Tala stepped on stage, the room settled into her presence immediately. Her voice carries in a way that feels effortless, like it belongs in the space without needing to fight for it.

Then came I Can’t Even Cry.

The crowd sang. Loudly. Without hesitation. And Hope stopped, visibly overwhelmed, saying she did not expect everyone to know the words. That moment landed hard for me. That song has always been one of my favourites, and clearly I was not alone in that.

There was something beautiful about watching an artist realise, in real time, how deeply their work has embedded itself in other people’s lives.

Hope Tala’s discography feels intentional and considered. Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels like filler. Each song sits comfortably next to the last.

After the show, she came out to the merch stand to say goodbye to fans. No barriers. No rushing. I managed to get a picture with her, and she was exactly as warm and genuine as she had been on stage.

I left feeling light. That kind of lightness only comes from shows where the energy is mutual.