Rotimo’s Shockolate Show

 On May 24th, I had the pleasure of attending “Rotimo's Shockolate Show” at the iconic Roundhouse. Curated by the talented Rotimo, the event was a vibrant celebration of African heritage, blending live music, dance, and a sense of community. Everyone came with good vibes and good energy to party together, embracing the joy, rhythm, and unity of the night. 

The lineup was stacked with talent from start to finish, headlined by Rotimo himself and the Amapiano queen, Kamo Mphela. Illa The Host, alongside the DJ, kept the crowd buzzing with nonstop energy, while the dancers lit up the stage with eye-catching performances that had everyone captivated all night long. One of the standout moments came from London-based dance group “Afro In Heels”, led by the incredible Patience - who performed whilst carrying her child. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, with the group of six moving in such perfect unison on stage.

 

Rotimo gave major Afrobeats-meets-Michael Jackson energy from his impressive vocal range, especially his high notes, to his genre-blending sound that touched on R&B, jazz, funk, Afro-fusion, and more. His look for the night channeled Thriller-era MJ too, with a red sparkly shirt, black trousers, and a stage presence to match. He was joined by dancers in black sequins to complement his style and introduced by fire dancers in red, who lit up the stage literally! The entrance alone set the tone for a captivating performance. Rotimo performed his hit song “Shockolate,” and treated the crowd to some unreleased tracks, packed with good vibes. It was incredible to witness just how versatile he is as an artist. His songs are irresistibly catchy, the kind of music that just makes you want to move.

 

The highly anticipated Kamo Mphela closed the night on an unforgettable high, stepping onto the stage as the dancing queen she’s known to be. Accompanied by five backup dancers dressed in baby pink, Kamo brought pure South African flavour, serving a masterclass in Amapiano performance. Their Bacardi like choreography was playful and expressive, packed with fun footwork, bold arm movements, and undeniable attitude, showcasing the rich, expressive culture behind the Amapiano sound. Performing hits like “Dalie”, she had the crowd moving from start to finish. But what made her set even more special was her generous spirit, midway through, she invited local London-based dancers known as “Thee Party” to join her on stage, creating a beautiful moment of unity and shared joy. It was a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.

 

The Shockolate Show was a powerful, cultural experience, and I feel lucky to have been there. From the rich musical diversity to the explosive choreography and vibrant energy, every element came together to celebrate African creativity. The Shockolate event team were amazing and their collective hard work and dedication truly paid off, putting on a spectacular show where every performance felt memorable. What made it even more special was how welcoming and inclusive the team was. Towards the end of the night, they invited attendees on stage to dance and be part of the celebration, turning the stage into a space for everyone to express themselves freely. It was a beautiful reminder that the Shockolate show was a shared experience, built on joy, culture, and community.