UK R&B hasn't had a true superstar for quite some time now. A few predictable pop singers with faux soulful voices aside, there has been no one to compete with the seemingly endless American talent factory that produces global mega-stars for fun.
But watching Kwabs tonight at Somerset House, there's a sense that all that might be about to change. When someone so young, handsome and talented is this on their game, it's only a matter of time until the whole word sits up and listens.
After a prolonged stint touring on the continent, the Londoner is clearly relishing being back on home turf as he struts across the stage, brimming with confidence and purpose. And the swagger is backed up with songs of real quality and a voice that could melt a thousand hearts (and most likely already has).
Songs like 'Perfect Ruin' and 'Pray for Love' come alive in the open-air London venue tonight, as the appreciative crowd lap up the everything Kwabs throws at them. A mid-set acoustic break largely pays off, the slight mis-step with a cover of the unpleasantly misogynistic 'Jealous Guy' aside.
But what the change of pace shows more than anything is an impressive range to Kwabs' offering. Perching on a stool and stripping back the band is a tougher trick to pull off than most young singers seem to realise, but tonight nothing is exposed apart from a new, higher level of vocal ability.
'Walk' finishes off the evening and sounds every bit the sure-fire hit it is; especially in Germany and Austria for some reason. But on his current trajectory it won't be long until Kwabs is celebrating his next number one with Bollinger, not bratwurst.
