NEXT by Annika Nation-Reid
Founding member R.L Huggar is mesmerizing as well as charming, not only a performing artist who composes his own songs, but an intelligent individual who gives out of the box insight into his first response to hearing of the Barack Obama presidency, “I was happy that he won not because he was Black but because he was the best candidate”. Barack Obama running changed R.L’S perspective as a young black man on voting, and the importance in voting.
I however would not expect anything less than intelligence having been mentored by the Gospel Artist and sweetheart Queen of beautiful soul Anne Nesby ‘Sounds of Blackness’ whom I had the pleasure of meeting at The Oraclez Gospel Concert last year. He refers to Ms Nesby as a “Mother” Ann Nesby also happens to be the God Mother to RL’S (he instructs me to refer to him as) older brother.
RL is extremely excited to be in Wales loves the Welsh people especially the women, and is enjoying a Chicken Tikka Masala at Haveli Restaurant, City Road where the “food is great”, he refers to the owner as his “new best friend” and pledges loyalty to eat there every time he visits Wales.
In the relaxed atmosphere with lush sultry candle lit decor of the Soda Bar,Mill Lane, I feel warm and at home The beige shag piled quality carpet, white Victorian mirrors, warm HD television screen images of fire places, come to bed cream and white sofas, a totally fitting environment for one of America’s “RnB sensations” the Trio known as Next. The DJ plays fantastically, with a blend of 1990s to date R&B, Hip Hop and Reggae.
The opening supporting act of Dretonio serves a nice starter of house music, which has everybody tantalised whilst in preparation for the main course none other than NEXT.
Like the rest of the audience it is hard for me not to be captivated under their hypnotic voice, which serves as a snake charmer, to the audience intoxicated under NEXT’S spell who open their performance with ‘Just One Night’ followed by a rendition of their No 1 hit ‘Too Close’ from the 1997 album ‘Rated Next’. RL'S apology to their audience for the poor quality of sound is much appreciated, recognition that his fans payed for quality goes unheard as he is the quality himself, had there been no music they could have held their own, like they vocaly do leaving the ladies wanting more with acapella teases.
As I look into the crowded audience there truly is a connection between both female and male, who seem pleasured by their presence and company, regardless of RL ‘S older brother T-Low being unable to perform with NEXT, through no fault of his own he had fallen victim to customs and excise limitations.
I am anticipating that many a relationship maybe forged from their performance tonight, many wedding reception speeches may start with the sentence we met when NEXT performed in the Soda Bar; many a more first dances will be accompanied by the song ‘Wifey’.
The newest member to the group 'D' (Deponce) is made in God’s image with a physique and smile which builds butterflies in any ladies stomach, with a beautiful acoustic to boot.
I now understand why so many females flock to see Next and are willing to wait 4 hours for a glimpse, dressed in white tank tops grey mist leather jackets and baggy but waist fitted pants, they are well groomed. The females in the audience are almost at high peak with long loving and adoring looks centred towards NEXT, enraptured by a song composed by R.L for Jamie Foxx ‘Raindrops’ with lyrics “Let me feel the raindrops, falling down, falling from my love, I want it soaking wet, all over the bed I want the rain to come”.
They grace us with songs of old; such as ‘Wifey’ which has the audience serenading NEXT. ‘Anything’ a duet with Jaheim and from RL’S solo album a collaboration with Lil Wayne, the crowd is in uproar, this would be a sense of freedom for one who seems to have flown, in an illusion of appearance through R.L., Lil Wayne has been set free, to perform and cannot be forgotten.
What sets NEXT apart is their ability to make you feel like they are singing to you and you alone there is no one else in this crowd filled Soda bar just you and them. Their connection with their fans is satisfying I would recommend you buy the album NEXT, LIES & VIDEOTAPE due for release in the U.K first, I am thrilled to have been a part of the audience, this is a show not to be missed the vocal range, live performance no lip syncing, talented NEXT are empowering to ones insides you leave feeling the urge to sing their songs, due to the strong relationship established through the medium of true R&B music, with appreciation and adoration from both fan and musicians
Many thanks to The Soda Bar staff for their kind service and support, and Kc Obsession NEXT UK tour manager who plan to bring more MOBO and African American artists to Wales, so watch this space.
