Karima Francis @ CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION 18th JAN 09.

Sunday 18th January 2009
KARIMA FRANCIS @ CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION
w/ Gema Hadridge

I was really impressed with the stuff that I had heard from Karima before the gig and the day before she had been named as The Guardians hot pick for 2009 as a part of the observer music monthly which was pretty cool. I was convinced that the gig was going to be a monumental one, and that it was!
This was the first time in a long time that I was expecting a large crowd to be queued outside the junction but I was shocked to find out that there had been poor ticket sales so the gig was going to be very intimate. I think there was only about 30 of us there. Not many but still an audience nonetheless. The people that were there varied in age. People there ranged from OAP to middle aged to teens!

The support act was impressive. Gema Hadridge wowed the crowd with a few enchanting melodies. I thought it was really touching to see her father join her onstage for a few songs too, it was clear that they had a strong bond! She also took some time to explain the meanings of the songs she sang instead of leaving them to be subjective as most musicians would. Her songs had a strong sense of realism to them that I’m sure will take her far in the industry. I found that I could relate to most of the things she sang out easily being of a similar age to her. Her dynamic is one that is simple but beautiful. There was a relaxed mood to her whole set and was also joined by her sister onstage for a final song! She deserves to have an EP out soon because she has an amazing vocal talent and is just brilliant!

Karima Francis soon followed and stunned the crowd further! She straight away reminded me of an Adele/ Tracey Chapman crossover. Her uplifting melodies and charming lyrics addressed some of the more serious issues that she faced while she was growing up. Her songs are from the heart and it was something that I admire greatly about her. The type of music she produces is the kind that you would welcome after a long day at work, or even after a brilliant night out. I can guarantee that you’ll want to listen to her all over “again” (no pun intended).
Her single “again” is released on the 6th of March so I URGE you to go and buy or download it because she’s an inspiration to anybody! I was completely blown away by her vocal ability and her range. I’d never experienced anything like it live so the hair on my arms stood on end for most of the evening! One other thing that was brilliant about her was the fact that she was not at all bothered by the amount of people in the audience. She seemed genuinely happy to be playing. A true musician!
She also did a cover of Kings Of Leon’s “Use Somebody” that was pure magic. It captivated the heart and soul of everybody in the room. Her powerful and moving voice had completely taken me in that I was unconscious of everybody else in the room.
Overall I would say that her performance was amazing. I would definitely recommend you go and see her because she is sure to make it big in the industry very soon! She has the right attitude and an amazing appeal that is bound to take her far!

By Carleanne Gwen O’Donoghue
Photo By SiZe Photography