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“Electrifying” was the only word to describe Ani Saafa’s performance at Pearl Diver last Saturday. The atmosphere in Pearl Diver is chic, but alternative. Casual tables and couches linger throughout the back of the room, with all the lights and seating angling themselves towards the stage, where the real magic happens. But when Ani Saafa took the crowd by storm on Saturday night, the polished setting of Pearl Diver became overrun with headbanging and moshing.
The band's very own Logan Edwards had opened the night with his haunting voice and raw lyrics. Followed immediately by the ethereal Emily Esplin and her band, the lineup for the night just kept getting better. By the time Ani Saafa came on at 11pm, the crowd was screaming.
Once the indie-rock band struck their first note, the whole venue seemed to pause. Then, the music kicked into full gear. Fans were screaming every word of their iconic “Lay All Your Love On Me,” cover and dancing hard enough to shake the ground under my feet. Ani Saafa’s return to Ōtepoti and Pearl Diver was highly anticipated.
Follow them on Instagram @ani_saafa_ to see what they get up to next in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara.
Credit: Felix Borrowdale
Credit: Felix Borrowdale
