Nao's Unforgettable Night at Hackney Round Chapel: Live Review

Just over a week ago, Nao returned to East London, gracing the historic Hackney Round Chapel with a performance that was as intimate as it was electrifying. Nao is a British singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique blend of neo-soul, R&B, funk, and electronic music. Known for her unique voice and introspective lyrics, she has earned critical acclaim with albums like Saturn and And Then Life Was Beautiful, which explore themes of growth, resilience, and love. As attendees entered the East London venue on a cold November evening, we were handed a single flower on arrival, immediately setting the scene and raising excitement for fans. 

As the audience settled, Nao emerged on the chapel’s balcony, bathed in the glow of a single spotlight, to deliver Another Lifetime. Her ethereal voice soared through the chapel’s vaulted ceilings, transforming the historic space into a unique listening experience. It was a hushed, almost reverent start to an evening that would crescendo into joyous celebration.

From there, the performance struck a perfect balance between introspection and exuberance. Nao led the audience through her extensive repertoire, seamlessly blending tracks from her critically acclaimed albums Saturn and And Then Life Was Beautiful. Her ability to create a spectrum of moods—shifting from moments where you could hear a pin drop to vibrant dance-floor energy—was nothing short of masterful.

A standout highlight of the night came during her latest single, Elevate. Aptly turning the audience into a choir, Nao split the room into harmonies for what felt almost like a group rendition. The chapel reverberated with layered voices, and for a few minutes, it felt as though the attendees were part of something greater—a shared musical communion orchestrated by Nao herself.

The coloured lighting design and her impeccable band elevated the performance further. As warm hues bathed the stage, the band’s sparse but powerful arrangements added richness to her already impressive vocals. Tracks like Make It Out Alive turned the chapel into a dance party, while reflective songs like Orbit and Antidote brought a stillness that was almost meditative.

The flowers, initially a thoughtful gesture at the door, almost became part of the night’s visuals - waving in rhythm to her music as fans danced to each track. Nao’s ability to connect with her audience is unparalleled. Whether standing under a lone spotlight on a balcony or rallying a room into harmony, she exudes authenticity and warmth. The intimacy of Hackney Round Chapel only heightened this, creating a performance that felt deeply personal yet profoundly communal.

After fangirling over the performance with the stranger standing next to me, I began to make my way home, watching as pink flowers sparked smiles and short conversations among fans on train platforms. All in all, it was an unforgettable evening—a reminder of why Nao remains one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B.