By Jason Kwame

Without a doubt, last night’s Brit Awards were a showcase for the bando-to-main stage star that is Headie One. It was his night to remember and be remembered. Though he didn’t win the awards for which he was nominated for* (we move), the British-Ghanaian rapper definitely reminded us why we need live concerts back. He also reminded us why we need reasons to get dressed up again and, in his own words, “smell like roses”.

From his nonchalant, calm – yet engaging – performance to his slick and suave outfits, Headie was in his element and it showed. 

Headie repped for North London – and pretty much every black person in the country – by being the best dressed male artist of the night. He brought a different level of designer drip in a tailored Louis Vuitton long monogram overcoat in grey and shiny silver, with artsy specs of pink and blue. It was paired with black and white Louis Vuitton formal sneakers, a black turtleneck, iced out chains & jewels – crowned with a fresh trim. The rapper was dressed like an Italian don wearing Parisian labels: a perfect match for the secrecy in his lyrics. 

And it didn’t stop there. Headie was given the main stage and primetime performance slot of the evening. For the highlight performance, he committed to his love for tracksuits in a custom 1-of-1 Louis Vuitton black set, along with the eponymous new ‘LV trainer’. The red, yellow and green ribbed cuffs of the tracksuit represented his Ghanaian roots, just like LV’s menswear designer Virgil Abloh. The collaboration only made sense then. The live rap medley of his current bangers for summer – with the help of AJ Tracey, Young T & Bugsey – took up three different stage settings where Headie confidently marked his territory. He even topped it off with a little bop & salsa move at the end, to lighten up the striking tension and seriousness behind his words. Also, what’s a Headie One performance without his well-known sound effect adlibs?! 

Today’s papers should make sure to mention his back to back freestyle with AJ, that shouted out all the key workers, called out our ineffective politicians and spoke out against racism in the UK. 

All in all, amongst the Harry Styles’ and Taylor Swifts’ in attendance, Headie held his own and brought street elegance and sensibility to the awards. It was his inauguration into Brit Awards history.

Is there a need to talk about anyone or anything else from the night? In Headie fashion, we’ll shhh because we know better.

*Headie One had two songs nominated in the Best British Single category, and was also nominated for Best Male Star. To all of us rooting for Headie, that alone is a win.

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