Live Review: Ruel, Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu is much more than just a rapper. The 21-year-old’s opening set includes energetic hip hop numbers, slower soul ballads and jazz-inspired compositions which highlight Owusu’s fluidity as an artist. Owusu is well received by a crowd largely made up of young women, with recent single WUTD a clear highlight. Special mention must be made of his back-up dancers, who add another layer to his performance.

Genesis Owusu. Photos by Monique Pizzica.

It’s been two years since Ruel’s official debut live performance supporting UK singer Gallant at Corner Hotel. Then a shy 14-year-old with a handful of songs, the Sydney singer-songwriter is now a global success, having released a number of successful singles along with touring the world. It’s a testament to his creativity, work ethic and popularity that Ruel has managed to sell out two shows at Melbourne’s iconic venue, The Forum. 

No longer the naïve performer of a few years back, Ruel is right at home on the big stage. There’s a confidence about the young heartthrob as he appears from behind a curtain and opens with the powerful Don’t Tell Me. The screams from the crowd are almost as overwhelming as the camera phones that light up the venue as Ruel serenades the audience.

Ruel. Photos by Monique Pizzica.

Golden Years invokes a mass singalong before unreleased track Real Thing gives the crowd a taste of what to expect from Ruel’s long-awaited solo album. The youngster is in a great mood as he thanks the crowd for turning up before the soulful Say. He then brings out Melbourne’s own Billy Davis for an enjoyable rendition of Not Thinkin’ Bout You.

Like any good solo act, Ruel takes time out to introduce and thank his band. Situated on an elevated platform overlooking the stage, his band – consisting of a guitarist, drummer, keyboard player and three back-up singers – are a great bunch of musicians who help flesh out Ruel’s dynamic tunes in the live setting.

Ruel debuts another couple of newbies, including the synth-driven Flames, along with a few covers that go down a treat. His Like A Version cover of Jack Garratt’s Weathered is emotionally engaging, but it’s his take on The Weeknd’s Call Out My Name that really gets the crowd up and about, with camera phones held aloft once again to capture the moment.

Dazed & Confused sends the crowd into hysterics as Ruel jives around the stage, belting out the lyrics with unbridled enthusiasm before Younger takes the crowd noise to a whole new level. The encore is inevitable, with Ruel returning to perform his latest release, Painkiller. With his band dressed in yellow hazard suits, Ruel swaps his previous casual attire (hoodie and track pants) for a look that wouldn’t be out of place on the catwalks of Milan. Fashion choice aside, Ruel sends the crowd wild one last time with the track, demonstrating why he’s one of the country’s best performers.