NIKO B LIVE AT MANCHESTER’S CLUB ACADEMY

★★★★☆ (4/5)

NIKO B PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER’S CLUB ACADEMY
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY

In what could easily be described as one of the most anticipated gigs of the winter, Niko B brought his unique blend of playful UK rap, infectious energy, and relatable charm to Manchester Academy on December 8th. With his charismatic stage presence and crowd-surfing antics, the 24-year-old rapper from Milton Keynes delivered a high-energy performance that kept fans buzzing from start to finish.

As the venue filled up, there was an unmistakable buzz in the air. The crowd, predominantly made up of teens and twenty-somethings, was hyped and ready for the show to kick off. When the lights went down and Niko B took to the stage, the room erupted in cheers. It was clear that this wasn’t just a concert—it was an event.

He opened with “Trespass Coat,” a track that instantly set the tone for the night. The bass was heavy, the crowd was loud, and Niko wasted no time in getting them to chant along happy birthday to him. The vibe was contagious—Niko’s energy radiated through the room, and it didn’t take long for the entire Academy to be bouncing.

What makes Niko B stand out isn’t just his music—it’s his ability to connect with the crowd. The rapper has a laid-back, relatable style, and he’s the kind of performer who makes everyone in the audience feel like they’re part of the show. Between tracks, he kept things lighthearted, cracking jokes and sharing stories about life on the road. It was clear he was enjoying every minute, and that sense of fun translated into the crowd’s response.

The setlist was a perfect mix of his biggest hits and a few deeper cuts, each one played with infectious enthusiasm. Tracks like “Who’s That What’s That” and “Money” had the crowd jumping, while moments like “I Wanna Live” allowed Niko to show a more introspective side. He’s a rapper who balances fun with sincerity, and that duality was evident throughout the performance.

The Manchester crowd was on fire all night. From the front row to the back, fans knew every lyric and weren’t shy about singing along. The highlight of the evening came during “Patience,” his breakout hit, where the entire venue turned into a massive chorus. It was one of those moments where you could feel the collective energy of the room—a moment of unity and joy that only live music can provide.

As the set progressed, the lighting was adjusted to match the emotional tone of each song. During tracks like "I Wanna Live," which carries more introspective and reflective themes, the lighting softened to a more muted palette of blues and purples. These cooler hues added depth and intimacy to the moment, helping to draw the audience in during the quieter, more personal parts of the set. The lights weren’t overly flashy or distracting—they subtly framed Niko and created a mood that allowed the lyrics and emotions to take center stage.

For tracks like "Who’s That What’s That" and "Money," the lighting became more vibrant and chaotic again, with quick flashes of neon greens and yellows pulsing to the beat. The lighting rigs above the stage were used to create sweeping effects, casting shadows that moved across the crowd, making the entire venue feel part of the show. These rapid transitions of color and the synchronised lighting with the music kept the crowd hyped and engaged, adding to the wild, party atmosphere.

The crowd was fully invested in every moment of the show, from the high-energy tracks to the more reflective songs. Niko B made sure that each fan felt like they were part of the experience, regularly engaging with the audience and encouraging them to sing louder, jump higher, and just have fun.

Niko B’s performance at Manchester Academy proved why he’s one of the most exciting artists in the UK right now. With his combination of catchy tracks, engaging stage presence, and ability to connect with the crowd, he delivered a show that was as much about the fans as it was about the music.

If you haven’t seen Niko B live yet, make sure you do next time. This is an artist who’s going places, and his live show is a must-see for anyone who loves high-energy performances and real, authentic vibes.