Review by Darren McIntyre. Images by Scott Anderson
As part of this year’s Celtic Connections, St Luke’s played host to one of the most compelling live performers working today. Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, better known as Fantastic Negrito, brought his funk-laced, soul-drenched blues to a packed venue, and from the moment the house lights dipped, it was clear this was going to be something special.
Fantastic Negrito’s story is as powerful as his music. Active from the mid-90s, stepping away from the industry for several years, and triumphantly returning in 2014, his career arc mirrors the resilience and truth that pulse through his songs. With a catalogue spanning The X Factor (1996) right through to Son Of A Broken Man (2024), he arrived in Glasgow with a lifetime of stories and a band firing on all cylinders.
The venue was rammed, the anticipation thick in the air. As the band took their places and the PA faded, the crowd erupted when Fantastic strode onstage in a striking gold and black satin-linen jacket, topped off with an outrageous feathered hat. Swagger intact, he wasted no time, launching straight into “Stepson”, instantly setting the tone and pulling the audience into his world of groove, grit, and gospel-tinged soul.
What followed was an expansive, emotionally rich set that balanced deep personal reflection with pure, unfiltered joy. Tracks like “Scary Woman”, “Hillbilly Love”, and “Working Poor” showcased his ability to blend social commentary with infectious rhythm, while “Night Has Turned To Day” and “Hope Somebody’s Loving You” brought moments of tenderness that hushed the room in collective focus.
Between songs, Fantastic Negrito proved himself as captivating a storyteller as he is a musician. Tales of his Great Aunt and growing up on the streets of Great Barrington, Massachusetts were delivered with warmth, humour, and honesty — stories that made the crowd laugh, reflect, and ultimately feel closer to the man behind the music. These moments gave real weight to songs like “Living With Strangers”, driven by thick bass lines and an irresistible groove.
The band — Clark on guitar, Lili on bass and backing vocals, Bryan on keys and backing vocals, and Jimmy on drums and backing vocals — were outstanding throughout. A mid-set run including “Jump Thru The Winter”, “An Honest Man”, and “How Long” saw the soul flow freely through St Luke’s, each track elevated by tight musicianship and effortless chemistry.
A playful pairing of “Chocolate Samurai” and “Eat Less Sugar” lightened the mood before “Beat Salad” ushered in a glitterball moment, as Fantastic introduced the band individually. What followed was a joyous explosion of solos—bass, drums, keys, and guitar—each greeted with huge cheers from a crowd fully invested in every note.
The second half of the set leaned into raw power and attitude. “Bullshit Anthem” hit hard, earning knowing nods and fists in the air, while “Get A Good Feeling”, “California Loner”, and “She Gets What She Wants” kept the momentum surging. “Lost In A Crowd” stood out as a highlight, giving Fantastic space to pour pure emotion into a searing guitar solo that cut straight through the venue.
A one-two punch of “Bullshit Anthem Pt. 2” and “Plastic Hamburgers” brought the main set to a close, leaving the audience roaring for more. Unsurprisingly, the band returned to thunderous applause, delivering a powerful encore of “The Duffler”, “Computers”, and a haunting, beautifully delivered “In The Pines” to finish the night.
This was more than a gig — it was a masterclass in soul, blues, and funk, delivered with heart, humour, and defiance. Fantastic Negrito doesn’t just perform songs; he lives them onstage. For everyone packed into St Luke’s, this was a show that reaffirmed why he remains one of the most exciting and vital musicians around today.
+ There are no comments
Add yours