Photo by Wiktoria Wolny

Thursday night at SJQ’s basement stage carried the glow of something more than just another gig. Caught Me by Surprise – a three-band showcase leading up to Harry’s long-anticipated headline – felt like a reunion and a revelation rolled into one. Two radiant singers opened the night, weaving warmth into the room before handing it over to Harry Jowett, who marked the moment as both a celebration of past releases and a doorway into what’s next.

The venue couldn’t have been a better fit: SJQ’s low-lit, close-quarters energy wrapped everyone together, dissolving the barrier between audience and stage. By the time Harry took control, the space was alive: a current of voices, strings, and stories shared as one.

Safiyyah x Ural Turan – the dream opener

Photo by Wiktoria Wolny

Kicking things off with Safiyyah, joined by London-based multi-instrumentalist producer Ural Turan, the vibe was instantly magical. Stripped back, intimate, and oh-so-smooth, they ran through Safiyyah’s originals with Ural laying down guitar parts that felt both delicate and commanding. At one point, he hopped over to the piano and switched the whole energy up, effortlessly showing the kind of range that makes him stand out as an artist in his own right.

For Safiyyah, it was a long-awaited return to the stage after some time away from performing, but you wouldn’t have known it for a second. She shone with the confidence and presence of an artist completely in her element, her vocals gliding with ease and reminding the crowd of her natural star power. It was the kind of performance that felt both fresh and seasoned at once – a reminder that her artistry has only grown stronger during her break.

Here’s the wild part: the chemistry between Safiyyah and Turan felt like they’d been playing together for years. Turns out, this was their first gig as a duo. Safiyyah’s styling (courtesy of Zeynep Kerpisci) tied everything together – polished R&B star vibes, equal parts classy and bold. But it was Ural’s adaptability and stage intuition that elevated the set into something special. His ability to shift seamlessly between instruments and lock in with Safiyyah’s voice made the performance feel bigger than an opening act. It was the kind of collaboration that doesn’t just support – it transforms.

If this was the opener, we knew the night was only going up from here.

Elle Massimo – instant lift

Photo by Wiktoria Wolny

Next, Elle Massimo stepped up to the stage, radiating energy from the very first note. Backed by Tom Rackliff on electric guitar, she delivered her latest release, Red Skies In The Distance, with passion and precision. Her voice: a striking balance of power and smoothness soared across the venue, while Rackliff’s shimmering guitar tone wrapped around it like sunlight on water.

The two had an undeniable synergy, creating a sound that felt both expansive and deeply intimate. Massimo’s presence was magnetic; every movement on stage pulled the crowd closer, every note adding to the momentum. Rackliff’s smooth touch on the guitar added an extra shimmer to the set – every riff and flourish felt effortless yet perfectly placed, lifting Elle’s vocals into even brighter light. They closed her set with a cover of Leon Thomas’ MUTT – a bold choice that turned the audience into her backing choir. Singing, clapping, fully immersed, the crowd lifted with her until the very last chord. By the time she left the stage, the energy was buzzing, perfectly primed for the headline act.

Beyond the stage, Elle is in the middle of an exciting creative streak, working on brand-new material with a couple of singles lined up for release between now and early 2026. If last night was anything to go by, those tracks are set to carry the same mix of power, warmth, and energy that made her set impossible to ignore.

Harry Jowett – the big finish

Photo by Wiktoria Wolny

Then came the main event. Harry Jowett rolled in with a seven-piece band – yes, seven – including sax and flute alongside drums, bass, guitar, backing vocals, and himself on piano and vocals. You could feel the atmosphere change the second they started setting up.

What followed was a masterclass. Jowett’s music is rooted in hip-hop but built out with lush melodic layers and harmonic richness, giving his arrangements a supercharged, cinematic feel. Every track was meticulously crafted by Jowett himself, and while the arrangements were powerful and commanding, they never felt overworked – always leaving space for groove and connection.

His voice was another highlight of the set. Jowett has a serious range, moving from deep, grounded tones to soaring highs. He uses this flexibility with intent, sometimes soft and conversational, sometimes explosive, always pulling the audience in.

The hour-long set spanned his journey so far, from his first releases to brand-new, unreleased tracks from his upcoming EP. By the time he announced he was “out of songs,” the crowd wasn’t having it. Relentless applause pulled him back for a solo encore on the acoustic piano – a stripped-down closer that landed like a love letter to the night.

Three acts, three different flavours, one unforgettable night. Safiyyah and Ural Turan gave us elegance and connection, Elle Massimo and Tom brought pure fire, and Harry Jowett delivered a headline set that proved he’s building something big. If SJQ was the stage, the stars in the room made sure we won’t forget it anytime soon.

It wasn’t just a gig – it was a reminder of how thrilling London’s live scene feels when rising stars share the spotlight.

Photos by Wiktoria Wolny