Music / Reviews
Review: Kofi Stone, Thekla – ‘Raw Lyricism and Powerful Presence’
Kofi Stone is an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve and his story in his lyrics. Born in Birmingham and now firmly rooted in the UK’s burgeoning conscious hip hop scene, Stone has carved out a niche with his introspective storytelling and jazz-infused instrumentals.
His latest album, A Man After God’s Own Heart, has cemented his reputation as a lyricist who isn’t afraid to dig deep into life’s complexities.
Bringing the rhythm of Birmingham to the intimate setting of Thekla’s decks on Bristol’s harbour, this ethos was on full display.
is needed now More than ever
Taking to the stage with an unassuming confidence, Stone brought his sharp lyricism and versatile flows to life, captivating the crowd from the very first beat.
Conscious rhymes, versatile flow and sharp lyricism were in full force at Thekla
Opening with a selection of tracks that embody his dynamism, the rapper’s raw lyricism and powerful presence set the tone for an evening that balanced introspection with moments of energetic release.
Delving into fan favourites like Diamonds in the Water and Frozen Hearts, Stone showcased his masterful wordplay and the rich, textured production that has become his signature, the crowd ricocheting his energy with each and every bar.
Moving through his set, Stone played King David Flow, a track that would not sound out of place in hip hop’s golden era yet still feels refreshingly modern.
Following the track’s conclusion, donning a cheeky grin, the rapper exclaimed, “Speaking of flows…” before diving into the popular Busker Flow, a track whose creative lyricism and rapid flows are a testament to his artistic prowess.
A standout moment came when Stone addressed the crowd about men’s mental health and the need to speak out more.
Before performing It’s Ok to Cry, he spoke candidly about the loss of a close friend – someone he believes might still be here had societal pressures allowed men to greater express vulnerability. The track, already poignant, took on an even deeper resonance as the room fell into a pensive hush.
Kofi appeared above the crowd on Thekla’s balcony to deliver his encore
Disappearing for his encore, Stone reemerged to ask the crowd which tracks they wanted to hear. Shouts were heard across the crowd, but two tracks stood out: Dirty Airforces and Same Old. “I guess we’ll do them both”, the rapper mischievously exclaimed.
Exploding into Dirty Airforces, Stone disappeared once more, to be heard but not seen. Moments later, he reappeared on Thekla’s balcony, delivering the track to the crowd below with a renewed energy and effortless swagger.
Returning to the stage, he finalised his set – as promised – with Same Old, leaving the crowd on a high with its infectious energy and compelling rhythm.
Stone claimed that Bristol feels like his ‘second home’, a sentiment that was undeniable through the gig. The easy rapport with the crowd, the energy in the room – it was clear the city holds a special place for him: a home away from home and a city more than happy to welcome him back.
All images: Josh Templeman
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