With the current state of the world, every major event from festivals to concerts have either been cancelled or postponed till 2021, but nothing seems to be stopping Wireless Connect.
Wireless Connect have decided to host a VR festival running 3-5 July on MelodyVR app and Wireless YouTube. It’s all free to watch, with fans at home being encouraged to donate to Black Lives Matter.
There’s a huge mix of throwback Wireless shows, plus exclusive performances filmed in 360 degrees in London and LA studios. It is also filled behind the scenes interviews, unseen clips and messages from the artists. This weekend, Wireless Connect will become the virtual home of the biggest and best rap, grime, hip hop and R&B from the UK and US – with over 70 artists on the bill.
Fans tuned in globally from 5pm BST today and huge festival vibes ran late into the night, with an amazing mix of new performances, behind-the-scenes interviews and previous Wireless picks, guided by fabulous host, Capital XTRA’s Yinka.
Though proudly London, the festival is synonymous with hip hop, rap, R&B and grime talent from both sides of the Atlantic, and Wireless Connect’s massive line up is no exception. Tonight’s party was topped off with a massive 2019 set from one of the fastest-rising rap stars of the past 10 years, Georgia’s Gunna – packed full of high energy hits such as ‘Drip Too Hard’ and ‘Turks’.
Birmingham rapper Stefflon Don brought all the mad energy of her live shows to her set tonight. Don, along with her slick backing dancers, performed a mix of her acclaimed tracks. Speaking to the Wireless Connect global at-home audience, Don said, “I got something for you that I know you’re gonna love!” before launching into ‘Boasty’ and ‘16 Shots’, plus a debut of new tune ‘Miss Me’. She finished with her smash hit ‘Hurtin’ Me’.
Speaking to Wireless Connect in the MelodyVR studio, Stefflon Don says she’s not the biggest fan of lockdown – as she’s missing her new husband Burna Boy. “I haven’t seen him for 4 months”. The Nigerian star Burna Boy celebrated his 29th birthday this week – it’s going to be a belated birthday present from Don!
The iconic Saweetie represented the US from MelodyVR’s LA studio with an incendiary performance. Saweetie also performed her newly released single ‘Pretty Bitch Freestyle’ which was released on her birthday on my birthday. The Californian rapper captivated fans tuning in around the world with tracks ‘My Type’ and ‘ICY GRL’ and a debut of new music. Plus, R&B singer DaniLeigh brought all the laid back vibes from LA with anthems including Billboard Hot 100 charting single ‘Easy’ and newly released single with Fivio Foreign “Dominican Mami.”
Wireless champions the best local talent and its virtual version is no different. On the Alexandra Palace stage, South London rapper and Wireless veteran Yungen declared “We come here to run nothing but bangers!” before smashing into his summer bops ‘Bestie’ and ‘Bad’ for his first ever VR set. Meanwhile, fellow South London rapper Deno kept the party going strong with ‘Motorola’.
Fans were transported back to Tyga’s stunning summer set at Wireless 2019, kicking off with ‘Dip’ and then ‘Rack City’. The crowds went mad for his huge hits ‘Loyal’ and ‘Taste’ as he powered across the stage – and watching in VR, all the fans at home had the best front row seat.
Earlier in the day, Avelino brought his unique tone and deep wordplay to his set. Ramz made his musical return for an exclusive Wireless Connect set which, of course, featured his platinum-selling 2017 hit ‘Barking’.
The first day of Wireless Connect also included mind-blowing sets from Tyla Yaweh, Blanco, JB Scofield, 23 Unofficial, ZieZie, Clever, Sam Hemmshaw, Hamzaa, Buddy, Leven Kali, Kara Marni, Alicai Harley, Big Heath and Osh.
Wireless Connect continues on Saturday 4th July and Sunday 5th July. It is available to stream each day from 5PM BST / 9AM PT / 12PM ET on smartphones and VR headsets via the MelodyVR app as well as the Wireless YouTube channel.
Wireless Connect is free to experience, with viewers encouraged to make a donation to Black Lives Matter via Crowdfunder. Across the three days, many of the 70+ artists will be acknowledging Black Live Matter in their own personal way.
Exclusive performances were filmed this month at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace and MelodyVR’s state-of-the-art safe LA studio.
Wireless Festival would like to remind everyone to stay safe, stay alert, practice safe social distancing and follow Government safety guidelines.
