The O2 Arena has played host to some of UK rap’s most memorable moments. From BBK’s Takeover to D-Block Europe’s sold-out shows, SE10 has been a hub for greatness. Waiting for his turn was the ever-growing West London star that is Central Cee.
Can’t Rush Greatness now holds a deeper meaning, epitomising a superstar-status which has been years in the making. This was the 14th date of the world tour and one befitting of a homecoming.
The demographic on the night showcased the Shepherd’s Bush emcee’s ability to cater for everyone. This varied from young fans in Syna World clothing to those who had supported the star from his 17 tape, North Greenwich was set for a night to remember.
Before the curtains raised for Central Cee, fans were treated to an accustomed Kenny Allstar opening, bringing out the next gen as A2ANTI and hot property Chy Cartier warmed up the crowd before the main event kicked off.
Abigail Morris (abbxstudios)
With many patiently waiting, it wasn’t long before a blanket of darkness encapsulated The O2. The decibels of the 20,000-capacity arena reached another level, as screens turned to the eye-catching cinematography of Cench and the mandem. Captured in a car reminiscent of a getaway, the short film was brought to the forefront of the stage as the man of the moment hopped out to perform the powerful single Limitless.
“London I’m home”. Whilst only being a third of the way through his mammoth 39-date world tour, Cench was highly appreciative of having a home crowd in attendance. This gratitude was showcased with a large catalogue of anthems to follow and a hall-of-fame-esque feature list.
Aesthetically pleasing on the eye, it was an all-black attire on show as Central Cee and crew assembled to perform what some would say was the breakthrough single in Day In The Life. It was a case of lyric for lyric for the opening instalment as Loading, Commitment Issues and Gen Z Luv had the crowd in hysteria.
With the venue known for its iconic setups, Cench chose an interactive route to connect with his supporters, having a staircase drawn from the heavens to become the main attraction for all directions of the arena. The next chapter of the show would not disappoint.
As West London’s finest drew inspiration from his latest project, it was time for the stars to appear. First, Skepta arrived to the roars of Southeast London to perform the energetic Ten, shortly followed by Afrobeat giants Asake and Shallipopi. There was even time for the talented Kamal to have his moment at The O2 before fan-favourite Young Adz appeared for the 2021 anthem Overseas.
The stage was meant to feel like home, and even when an intermission was needed to catch your breath, it was entertaining as ever. Cench and crew gathered on the ground floor as they had their turn to enjoy the show, with St. Louis’s very own Sexyy Red surprising the crowd to perform a short yet stunning set.
Abigail Morris (abbxstudios)
On a night full of surprises, one thing that seemed to be missing for the West London star was the Queen Lizzy chain, which holds great honour on his album cover. This was until a throne with an eye-catching chain on it arrived for the final chapter of the show, it was set to be 20 minutes that would be held in high regard in all four corners of the venue.
As fans had digested 90 minutes of head-bopping hits, two songs in particular had not been greeted. When guitar strings opened up the next song, it was inevitable that Sprinter was on the way and would be accompanied by fellow hitmaker Dave. The O2 had reached another level as both UK icons shared a moment of greatness. It was a fitting end but not the last hurrah, as Lil’ Baby then joined in to perform the viral BAND4BAND and unlock new memories for the masses of Central Cee fans.
A night to remember in SE10.
All photography by Abigail Morris (abbxstudios)