From the moment I stepped into Shoreditch’s ‘Decedance, I knew instantly this would be a ‘talent show’ with a difference. The event celebrates undiscovered female talent: and this isn’t limited to the stage. At the door, welcoming ladies donning the Sistova tees smiled warmly, and as I took my seat, I found myself bopping along to the sounds of a sassy female DJ, spinning the tracks.
‘Silhouette In the Dark’ were the first act, and after being introduced by the bubbly host/singer Dionne Reid, they performed a short spoken-word piece addressing the issues of race and identity. Initially, one couldn’t help but think “here we go again”, but these three amazing young ladies captured the audience with their unique angle of the much-discussed topic, which they say is inspired by “society and life”. The first performance set the standard for the following acts, no doubt- but surprisingly the audience was left shouting, “cheese and rice!” after every act- a Sistova sign of audience appreciation.
The variety of talent expressed by an equally varied range of expressive, and passionate females kept us all captivated, even down to the singers! I know I’m not the only one who can feel a bit bored by yet another aspiring songstress, drowning the venue with their sorrows-but each singer was able to not just sing, also but incorporate other talent in their act, be it a keyboardist, guitarist or jazz up the performance with a bit of dance. More excitedly, the audience were enticed by the females rap flow and punch lines, by MC’s- Sloozie and Lioness, who could easily be representing the UK’s talent alongside the likes of Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, Wiley and Tinchy Stryder.
More so, we all love a show that supports a good cause, and Sistova, who are a not-for-profit organisation, were promoting awareness of ovarian cancer, informing everyone of the disease that greatly affects women and cannot be detected by a smear test.
After three solid hours of entertainment, some networking opportunities and of course thought-provoking talent, I, alongside many others, left commenting on the amount of undiscovered female talent, even in such a metropolitan city such as London. Well, even more the reason to get on down to the next Sistova event, which is held every first Tuesday of the month, the next one taking place on 5th October. Whether it’s a chilled evening out with friends, or to be inspired by the latest up and coming artists, I can assure you will not be left disappointed!
Sistova Style and Substance, held every first Tuesday of the month, held at ‘The Last Days of Decedance’, 145 Shoreditch High Street.
For more info visit: www.twitter.com/sistova
Words by Alison Awoyera
