Music > Live Reviews

N-Dubz

Earlham Park

20/08/23

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the N-Dubz gig at Earlham Park and let me tell you, it was a night to remember. From start to finish, the trio delivered an electrifying performance that had the entire audience on their feet, dancing and singing along.

I was fortunate enough to have been invited as a VIP guest, this was such a surreal moment!

We reached Earlham Park a little after 6pm, and even though the gates had just been opened, the crowds were already quite large. Uncertain about what to anticipate from the event, I found myself genuinely amazed. The stage was incredible, and there was a variety of food stalls, offering options ranging from Indian and Pizza to Chinese and loaded fries, there was a culinary choice for everyone. What I was surprised to see was a charity auction tent. Intrigued, we entered and discovered a remarkable collection of signed items. There was a signed shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo, a poster autographed by the Spice Girls, and a variety of other captivating pieces. The purpose of the auction was to support Child Bereavement, with the proceeds from the evening and the weekend dedicated to this cause.

Following a delicious serving of BBQ Pulled Pork loaded fries, we made our way to the merch stand, where there was selection of items available for purchase. From N-Dubz t-shirts and baseball hats to N-Dubz fleeces, there was an array of appealing choices. In the end, we opted for an N-Dubz pin badge.

While DJ Natralist & MC Wicked were playing their set and Makareo from 7.35pm, everyone was mostly grabbing food and getting drinks at the bar area. The bar setup left a strong impression on me. They provided reusable plastic cups for £1, with the option to reclaim your deposit when you returned the cup. The drink selection was diverse, and the pricing was quite reasonable. Unlike many festivals that tend to overcharge, the cost of a pint—£6—was fairly set.

By 8pm, we were sat in the VIP area, which was situated to the right of the stage. We had an incredible view and enjoyed the seating area while we were eating. Wes Nelson entered the stage dead on time at 8pm, and he brought the energy with him!!

I only know Wes Nelson from Love Island, so I was interested to see him actually performing on stage and I have to say I was very impressed. He got the crowd going and really gave a great performance. I actually knew most of songs that I didn’t realise he sung, such as “Nice to Meet Ya” and “Drive”. Just 20 minutes after his set started, he downed a pint of beer on stage which led to the crowd chanting and cheering! A crowd member even threw their N-Dubz bucket hat on stage which Wes Nelson then carried on wearing for the rest of his set.

By 9pm, it was time for the main event, N-DUBZ. After speaking to them back in April, I was excited for their performance as I knew they were too. Tulisa, Dappy, and Fazer burst onto the stage with an energy that was nothing short of infectious. From the very first beat, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The chemistry the band have is inspiring, they really made the audience feel like they were part of an intimate gathering rather than a massive concert.

N-Dubz's performance was a seamless blend of their greatest hits and newer tracks, pleasing both die-hard fans and those who might not have been as familiar. Classics like "Strong Again," "I Need You," and "Playing with Fire" sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd, while their newer tracks such as “February” brought a fresher vibe that resonated with the audience.
Tulisa's powerhouse vocals were a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly hitting high notes, and delivering emotionally charged performances. Dappy's charisma and stage presence had the audience hanging onto his every word, and Fazer's energy and dynamism were infectious, encouraging everyone to move to the beat.

The production value of the concert was next level, featuring impressive visual effects, stunning lighting design, and incredible timing on the smoke and fire machines. The stage design allowed for dynamic interactions with the crowd, creating an immersive experience that brought fans even closer to their favourite artists. The trio at different points of the evening jumped into the crowed and performed. It was such an incredible experience to witness, and I bet even more spectacular for the audience carrying them.
Beyond the music, N-Dubz took the time to connect with their fans on a personal level. They shared stories, engaged in playful banter, and even brought a few lucky fans on stage, creating unforgettable memories for both them and their audience.

From the interview with them they mentioned that “There’s no concert like an N-Dubz concert” and boy, were they right about that. The evening was a whirlwind of energy, talent, and good vibes. Whether you're a long-time fan or someone looking to experience the essence of British urban music, an N-Dubz concert is an event you won't want to miss.