A big crowd was expected in the industrial surrounds of the Arch, to see one of 2014’s breakout stars, Kelela.

The American songstress combines her own emotional vocals with sounds from the club, namely the production from the Night Slugs stable, including Bok Bok, Nguzunguzu and Jam City.

The soundsystem at the Arch is one of the best permanent fixtures in the City and it suited Kelela’s style perfectly, allowing the bass to reverberate around the venue without losing any of its quality.

It was odd then that the critically acclaimed star was playing to such a sparse crowd. Her reputation and performance deserved a bigger audience. Given she spent most of last summer playing to large hordes at European festivals you would have expected a more buoyant atmosphere.

Instead, despite the flawless delivery of tracks from the well-received Cut 4 Me tape, the venue offered only smattered applause.

Kelela is a true talent and deserved better.

Four stars