Lil Halima @ by:Larm 2019

Lil Halima @ Rockefeller — Foto: Johannes Andersen

Lil Halima makes a successful return to by:Larm.

Lil Halima played at by:Larm in 2018, but although this year’s concert was her second by:Larm appearance it made sense to review her again. Since 2018 she has had a considerable professional growth. She recently released her new EP «For the Dark Days», she was nominated in the “Urban” category for the Spellemann Prize 2018, and her EP “Love Songs for Bad Lovers» was nominated for this year’s Nordic Music Prize. In addition, Lil Halima was awarded a NOPA grant right before her by:Larm concert this year at Rockefeller, following the steps of musicians like Aurora and Dagny.

In the clouds

A young but impressive voice, with versatile music styles that range from funk, urban, soul and hip-hop.

So what about her concert? While her musical style is remarkable, it is worth starting by mentioning her aesthetics on stage. Lil Halima makes an impressive entrance on stage – slightly spoiled by the protocol of the grant received – wearing a full tulle gown covering her from head to toe. The train of her dress is so long that she needs two people to carry it. The style makes immediately you think of Beyonce, and has parts of the public screaming “queen”!

A soon as the representatives from NOPA steps off stage, everything turns into a cloudy purple haze where it is impossible to distinguish Lil Halima’s dress from the clouds. The only way of trying to locate her is by following the sound of her talented voice. This cloudy and smooth atmosphere lasts for her first two songs; charming and soft pieces that are setting a relaxed mood. At this point Lil Halima does however not have the audience’s full attention.

Funky and festive

Towards the end of the set her act felt more powerful and she appeared as a confident performer.

Noticeably nervous during the first minutes, Lil Halima went into her third song a bit more confident. The view now was clear, and the music way more funky and festive. One of the synth-players picked up a bass, and helped change the mood on the stage, while Lil Halima gave a taste of her vocal potential. A young but impressive voice, with versatile music styles that range from funk, urban, soul and hip-hop.

As she became more confident, playing songs such as Abstract, Jasmine, and the hit Train, so did the audience. Towards the end of the set her act felt more powerful and she appeared as a confident performer, offering a more solid presentation and proof that she is on her way to consolidate her career.