Ana Moura - Islington Assembly Hall

Seven years had passed since Ana Moura treated the world to a new record. While she had featured on many a collaboration in the years since 2015's impressive Moura, her loyal fanbase the world around had waited patiently for the arrival of Casa Guilhermina in 2022. But they say that the best things come to those who wait, and in this instance, they most certainly weren't wrong.

As the Album of the Year in the p.ublished group's countdown of albums of the year 2022, Casa Guilhermina impressed with it's loyalty to the Fado sound, while stunning with the marriage of this traditional sound to a range of kizomba, samba and trap. With the record setting the bar high, it was huge excitement that we approached Moura's sole UK show of her current your at London's Islington Assembly Hall.

With the stunning theatrical space packed to capacity, Moura arrived on stage to a rapturous applause. Inviting the audience into her Casa Guilhermina, she worked her way flawlessly through the albums captivating 18 songs.

Without the need for a big set or showy performance, the minimalist staging relied on striking lighting changes and the sheer power of Moura's impressive presence. With a vocal that effortlessly oozes soul, she moved the audience both physically and emotionally.

With personal insights into the inspiration behind the album, with a particularly moving tribute to her late cousin in the introduction to Mázia, which she revisited during the encore, the evening lifted what is already an incredible body of work to a truly unforgettable experience.

Although there were clear audience favourites - Andorinhas, Agarra Em Mim, Mázia and Calunga - this was a show full of heart that kept the audience captivated throughout.

With a brief encore of non-album single Te Amo and the aforementioned Mázia, the audience left thrilled but wanting more. Which is exactly how you should leave a show.

Quite simply sensational.