Loyle Carner, Nas, André 3000, Ezra Collective & More Light Up Saturday’s Uber One presents All Points East

As East London’s celebrated music festival continues, some moments feel written, with London-hailing Loyle Carner topping the festival bill for the first time in a place close to home – his local park. Saturday saw Uber One present All Points East as Victoria Park once again became a hotspot within the capital, with just under 50,000 people attending. Amongst a day packed full of musical talent, the stars were out in full force with American hip-hop legend Nas taking to the stage, André 3000 offering a transcending musical experience with his flute magic, and Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective turning the West stage into a dancefloor for their hour set.

The latter in fact, produced an entirely captivating and energetic set that rang true throughout the West stage, causing a huge crowd to become infatuated with dance and the good vibes on offer. The musicality of Ezra’s art is something to be admired, a refreshing reminder that music with substance will always stand the test of time.

Nas also offloaded a show-stopping set, playing tracks from his backdated catalogue that acted as a reminder as to who and what shaped the genre that we all now love so much. Opening with “Get Down”, one of his most famous tracks, the crowd gathered in their thousands to watch one of the unquestionable music legends perform live.

It was Loyle Carner who of course, took the headlines. Describing the evening as “the best night of my life”, he didn’t shy away from the fact that he “cycled here tonight” and lived just down the road. Across a jam-packed set that stemmed across an hour-and-a-half period, the rapper showed exactly why he has captivated the masses with his introspective and alternative rap music.

Drawing from tracks across his three celebrated albums, the Mercury Prize nominated and BRIT School graduate was guest abounded throughout his set, with famous poet John Agard reprising his poem “Half-Caste” on stage, Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei coming out for “Angel”, “Damselfly” and “Loose Ends” as well as young activist Athian Akec taking the stage to perform the very same speech he made in Parliament years ago to represent the youth talking about knife crime.

“Without him, there’s no me,” Carner remarked about hip hop legend Nas: an artist whom he had supported many years ago and now returned the favour by supporting Carner on this very special occasion.

“Interspersing his set with a handful of poems, the crowd were witness to words of homespun articulate wisdom, heartfelt ruminations and unflinching honesty about anxieties. “‘It’s blown my mind,” he marvelled as the set drew to a close and a raucous ‘Speed of Plight’ filled the air. Emerging for his encore, Carner treated the crowd to fan favourite ‘Ottolenghi’. This was greeted by crowd participation as fireworks rocketed overhead”.

An incredible day of live music that stemmed across the whole afternoon and evening, there was truly something for everyone throughout the day. Amongst the names not mentioned were Songer, Lola Young, berlioz, ENNY, Joe James and Sainté just to name a few; the lineup was truly rammed with talent and was one for the ages. A great day out in Victoria Park, All Points East shone once again with a great event to make memories for attendees forever.