Candlelight Concert: Hip-Hop on Strings

Photos taken and written by Anusha Chandra-Paisley

12 July 2024

Candlelight: Hip Hop on Strings Concert (@candlelight.concerts) back on March 15th.

Had to be one of the prettiest concerts I’ve ever been to. This concept has been around for a few years, starting in Madrid in 2019. Often held in cultural spaces like Cathedrals but the overall concept being not held in your typical concert hall. Candlelight presents a variety of genres, from bollywood to hip hop, all played with classical instruments.

This particular concert was performed by the Sekine Quartet (@the.sekine.quartet) and was held at St. Paul’s Church (B3). The concert lasted around 60 minutes. Here was the programme:
•Gangsta’s Paradise - Coolio
•I Like It - Cardi B
•Jay-Z Medley
•Outkast Medley
•Lauryn Hill and Fugees Medley
•Passionfruit - Drake
•Swimming Pools - Kendrick Lamar
•2Pac Medley
•The Notorious B.I.G. Medley
•Dr. Dre Medley
•Eminem Medley

My favourite song played was “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill. I also have to give recognition to a specific part played in “Dear Mama” by 2Pac, where the violinists were plucking the strings which sounded like literal ear candy.

If you haven’t already checked out one of these concerts, I seriously don’t know what you’ve been doing with your time. Go and book yourself a seat now!