Saul Williams
W/ Zaki Ibrahim
April 14, 2008
The Mod Club

Considering that the Mod Club sold out and quickly at that (especially since this is only his second headlining show in Toronto), you have to think Saul has officially reached that “big deal” status. A line up well before doors confirmed it.

With anticipation if there was even going to be an opener, the crowd came early. An hour after doors a slew of characters filled the dark stage with ambient music as an entrance. Slowly faces emerged from the darkness and a sort of who’s who of the Toronto underground hip hop scene surfaced- rappers I. James Jones and Junya T began to rap over the beats provided by DJ L’oquenz (pronounced “eloquence”) as they introduced what appeared to be the surprise opener, soulful singer and entertainer, Zaki Ibrahim. Her first song was sung in French as she played a strapped on Djembe drum and it had everyone on their toes in amazement. Sounding like an extra soulful cross between Amy Winehouse and Nelly Furtado, Zaki sung and swayed her way into the hearts of everyone in attendance, leading many at the Mod Club anticipating her upcoming May 13th headlining show at the same place even more. Hopefully next time she’ll be wearing something a little more flattering…

Saul Williams came out to much applause approximately 40 minutes after Zaki’s set wearing…well…. you look at the pictures yourself. Clad in all sorts make up and face paint, not to mention the feathers in his short dreads that stood up as if they were some sort of Mohawk, and huge furry boots, Saul acted like a man possessed as he channeled his vision through his body movements. He began with violently proclaiming the tribute to his heroes poem “Robeson” Touring with a new live set up that consisted of his ever present DJ, C.X. Kidtronik, a guitarist and a keyboard player, who were all similarly dressed to Williams, the live show was flawless, passionate, and full of energy. Williams danced and flailed about the entire show, climbed amps and joined the crowd on occasion, all while mic in hand. Despite some technical difficulties that seemed to anger Williams, he came harder and harder making the show even more intense as it went on. His spoken word poetry tangents connected with his long time fans, but the Nine Inch Nail shirt-wearing fans seemed to miss the point. During said technical difficulties, Williams went off on a powerful rant about how music would always prevail and that seemed to strike a chord with many.

Later on in the set amidst older songs like “Grippo”, “List Of Demands (Reparations),” and “African Student Movement,” Williams did an a capella “La La La” from his first album and pulled out the fan favourite poetry slam “Twice The First Time (Sha-Clack-Clack).” True highlights of the show were the standout tracks from Williams’ Trent Reznor produced new album “The Inevitable Rise And Fall Of Niggy Tardust!” such as “Scared Money” and the Public Enemy sampled “Tr(n)igger.” After approximately 2 hours, the show came crashing to an end to the dismay of all in attendance. The two video screens atop the sides of the stage added to the experience of the show in the somewhat small club. The camera was on Williams almost the entire time but various images were superimposed along with him- images of 1940’s all black big bands, a Victorian ball, masked people of all kinds- it was very intense. It made the show so much more enjoyable in a strange little way.

Saul Williams will soon be breaking away from his underground cult fan movement status. If you were at this show you would be able to see it. This was easily one of the best concerts 2008 Toronto will have ever seen.

- Michael Kopko

For more pics from the show, click here...