It’s been a minute since Fuse ODG played a London show, but the chart-topping artist responsible for bangers like “Antenna” and “Dangerous Love” hasn’t been resting. From developing an educational app, SONA (School of New Africa), to calling out the saviourism of Bob Geldof’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas” (the answer is yes), Fuse has stayed true to his values and a mission bigger than the music.

Reclaiming the African narrative is at the heart of the new album Spirit of New Africa (S.O.N.A), the cover of which provided the backdrop for this triumphant sold-out show at the Royal Festival Hall.

Part of Southbank Centre’s Dance Your Way Home season, which celebrates the myriad ways dance connects us, by the time Fuse took to the stage after supporting artists Nqobilé and Selasi, the vibes were higher than high.

Backed by a six-piece band, no time was wasted as Fuse launched into a set of tunes from his conscious new album including “Sundiata” (a musical libation to the 13th-century prince and founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita), “We Know That It’s Christmas” (no further explanation needed), and the Pan-African celebration “54 Countries.”

Just as intentional and affirming were the anthemic party tunes “Million Pound Girl” and “Azonto,” which had a joyful and multi-generational audience on their feet.

Just as Fuse deserves all his flowers for helping originate and popularise afrobeats in the UK, he also gave us dance challenges pre-TikTok, such as “Antenna,” for which he brought out the dancers from the original competition in one of many euphoric moments.

The smiling faces in the foyer after the show were lasting proof of the love and community personified in both this very special show and artist.