On Saturday night, Brighton Music Hall was a sanctuary for those craving genre-blurring artistry as Dua Saleh took the stage for an intimate yet electrifying performance. With a small but devoted crowd, the night was less about numbers and more about the connection between artist and audience—a theme that would carry through the entire evening.

Opening the show was Halima, whose blend of Nigerian heritage and experiences in Lagos and London set the tone for a performance steeped in warmth and global influences. Her set radiated good energy, effortlessly weaving between soulful ballads and infectious grooves, including a few highlights from her latest 2024 album, Exu. Whether she was delivering sultry R&B-infused melodies or commanding the stage with rhythmic confidence, Halima ensured that the night began on a high note.

Then came Dua Saleh—a force of nature even under duress. Before they even stepped on stage, their bandmate and DJ set the scene with an announcement: Saleh had been battling an illness throughout the tour and, until that moment, weren’t even sure they could perform. The revelation could have primed the audience for a subdued set, but instead, it heightened admiration for what followed.

Despite relying on additional backing vocals to compensate for their strained voice, Dua Saleh delivered in full, their signature mix of rawness and finesse undiminished by their condition. Their setlist leaned heavily into their latest album, I SHOULD CALL THEM, with tracks like “television” and “pussy suicide” showcasing their razor-sharp lyricism and fluid genre-melding approach. But it was their past releases that ignited the most fervor—when the opening notes of “mOth” hit, the crowd’s energy surged, proving the deep connection Saleh has fostered with their fans.

Closing the set with “Sugar Mama,” arguably their biggest hit, Dua Saleh left nothing on the table. Their resilience, artistry, and willingness to push through adversity underscored what makes them such a compelling performer—not just their skill, but their undeniable spirit.

Brighton Music Hall may not have been at capacity, but those in attendance witnessed something special—an artist at once vulnerable and unstoppable, defying limitations with every note.