CityLife

N-Dubz

N-Dubz
Apollo
April 9, 2010

“Did any of you see us on the Alan Carr show and Jonathan Ross?” shouts a happy Dappy to hyperactive fans. “We have arrived.”

Indeed they have, because to think of the grime scene before N-Dubz is a bit like considering the mobile phone market before the onslaught of the iPhone – all fine and good but without any real stars.

The band has injected a large shot of personality into the genre, combining Dappy’s be-hatted comical demeanour, Fazer’s Mr-Cool-MC look, and Tulisa’s glamour.

But of course, looking the part won’t cut it on its own, and the Camden trio have paid their dues honing their craft. Last year they won two MOBO awards – for Best UK Act and Best Album for their debut, Uncle B – and reached the top of the charts with the aptly-named Number 1 along with their mate, Tynchy Stryder.

Sung live, the song was always going to be the stand-out number, and even without the presence of Tynchy, the track was a perfect slice of pop with its soaring strings, catchy tune and lyrics that give hope to the love-lorn everywhere.

I Need You began with an a cappella version before launching into the full thing and the whole crowd was jumping so hard it felt like the balcony might collapse.

And Strong Again and Ouch were two of several tracks that showcased Tulisa’s powerful pop-soul voice – the girl can definitely carry a tune.

Playing songs from latest album, Against All Odds, as well as Uncle B, the band offered up an all-round cracking show mixing hard grime, soulful pop and RnB

And props including a bed, sofa and bench saw them act out a few melodramas for good measure.

On Playing With Fire – the Mr Hudson collaboration about infidelity – had Tulisa chasing round the stage walloping Dappy and Fazer with a pillow.

The performance had started with a military theme and it was a bit of a shock to see the normally glamorous Tulisa with new dark hair hidden beneath a cap and wearing sturdy boots. But a couple of costume changes later and out came the LBD and bang bang shoes – normal service was resumed.

Boys in the front row were also probably relieved to see that the blonde bombshell can also carry off raven-haired beauty very well.

Although most of the show was a high energy romp, N-Dubz can also do slow very nicely. Papa Can You Hear Me – Dappy’s tribute to his dad – had him sing the line “I’m proud to be your son” unaccompanied, and it was a true heartfelt moment.

One of the (many) support acts, Talay Riley, showed himself to be a star in the making, with a rendition of the number one track he co-wrote with Chipmunk, Oopsy Daisy.

But of course, it was N-Dubz’ night. And several times Dappy told us: “We love you Manchester, you’ve changed our lives.”

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