How could you possibly find the right words to sum up the opening night of Re:Definition? A collaboration of exciting, unquestionable talent originating from London would be true, but also much too brief! Its creators, Urban Development managed once again, to put on an incredible show, portraying urban music in a new light. Artists joined forces to 'welcome us to London’ providing an amazing soundtrack to the city and its urban culture along the way.

The genuinely unmissable production directed by the renowned Matthew ‘Excalibah’ Xia, included some of east London’s finest talent. A definite triumph and tribute to the UK music scene, it was refreshing to witness a group of artists who were all on par with each other musically. Narrator, Mikill Pane rapped his way through the performance with his tongue-n-cheek lyrics, guiding the audience through the lives of the artists. He boasted an impressive flow and lyrics with energy in abundance.

"A definite triumph and tribute to the UK music scene."

The show began with a bang as gospel-trained singer and Vocal Collective tutor, Shezar tore the house down, impressing the audience when she merely sang the words ‘welcome’. Her amazing stage presence and jaw dropping vocals throughout, were definite highlights of the show, in particular her collaborations with soul sensation Omar, Ghetts and the UD Vocal Collective proved to be dream combinations.

RnB songstress Shola Ama wowed the audience with a heartfelt ballad on rougher times in her life and careerand celebrating how she came out on the other side. Rising vocalist, Ny commanded the stage with a womanly demeanour and sassy attitude whilst belting out sweet vocals, which had everyone melting in their seat. Soul sensation, Omar was undisputedly wonderful with his flawless voice and love songs; it was a pleasure every time he graced the stage. That’s not to forget Maverick Sabre, who I can only describe as a male version of Adele - acoustic guitar in tow he wooed the audience with his smooth voice and socio-political content.

"Omar was undisputedly wonderful."

The emcees on the lineup such as ‘Sing 4 Me’ star Ghetts were a tribute to the contemporary UK grime scene. Ghetts didn’t disappoint with his reputable lyrics, energy and legendary stage presence. Performing his hit ‘Don’t Phone Me’ alongside fellow emcee Griminal, had the whole room vybing including the artists seated on stage. The politically influenced and conscious lyricist, Devlin didn’t disappoint either when he performed his new single ‘Brainwashed’. With his steady flow and thought provoking lyrics, Devlin showed he’s not the stereotypical grime emcee.

Newcomer Maxsta was star in his own right, the Newham emcee dubbed the ‘new skool Dizzee Rascal’ added another highlight the show when Ghetts, Griminal and Fumin joined him on stage to remind everyone that ‘East London is Back’. However the real shocker was Fumin, (who some will remember his from his appearance in Lethal B’s ‘Pow Riddim’), he is truly back on radar and ready to leave his stamp on the commercial scene this time around.

Last but by no means least among the assortment of grime artists, was top female emcee Lioness. With her impressive bars and versatile flow, it was her performance of ‘Good 4 A Girl’, a track off her ‘Loch Ness Monster’ mixtape that really stood out. The track which addressed the sexism in the grime industry, boasted lyrics such as ‘I’m tired of our music being shielded, just cause we wear heels n s***’ triumphed among the audience.

"The emcees on the lineup such as ‘Sing 4 Me’ star Ghetts were a tribute to the contemporary UK grime scene."

All genres aside, it was Bongo Man and Mc Versatile’s funky house performance that turned the stage of artists into a dance sensation with their ‘Funky Anthem’. The track which had everybody shaking a leg, was full of energy and jokes, as their cheeky rapport with the crowd proved ‘why [they] love funky!’

The high point of the night came in the form of the UD Vocal Collective’s medley, which featured Shola Ama’s ‘Sweetest Taboo’, Omar’s ‘Nothing Like This’ and Miss D’s number one hit with Chipmunk, ‘Oopsy Daisy’. Alongside the Collective was the talented South London beatboxer, Mar-vill who provided backing to their unique rendition of Kano’s ‘Ps and Qs’. Other covers included ‘Sweet Like Chocolate’, ‘Kiss From A Rose’ and ‘Fish Go Deep’. The medley of classics combined to make magic and was enough to prove that the UD Vocal Collective are a force to be reckoned with!

Re:Definition was definitely a night to be remembered, an abundance of talent, and yet again urban music redefined.

Words: Kyomi Wade

• Check out the Re:Definition 2010 gallery here.