It seems like black, gay artists are finally having their moment; with Lil Nas X’s explosion into the mainstream, plus Todrick Hall, Bronze Avery, and more. Singer-songwriter and rapper Keiynan Lonsdale (who now identifies as gay, but used to identify as bisexual) brings his first ever tour to London, before a couple of hundred fans.

It’s a tiny venue, smaller than most Soho gay bars, with a makeshift stage onto which Lonsdale and his two backup dancers can just about squeeze. There’s no set, not even video projections, and no musicians or backup singers; just karaoke backing tracks. Tickets are also under £17. For a singer with an extensive film and TV career, millions of hits on YouTube, and close to a million followers on Instagram, it seems a bizarre choice.

Yet the Australian-born Lonsdale seems genuinely moved to see the turnout, and to meet his London fans. He tells us of his pride in getting the chance to tour, and his delight in finally getting to share his new, unreleased tracks; his first music since Rainbow Boy (2020). His new material kicks off the show: it’s softer, more seductive, and more R&B. His silky voice is so remarkably controlled, even when dancing, it’s almost impossible to believe that he’s not miming; but he isn’t, happily proven by one or two little slipups.

But when the Rainbow Boy ‘radio’ mix comes in, followed by the intro to “Gay Street Fighter”, the crowd goes wild. Lonsdale also makes time to undress onstage, change costume offstage, and then undress again onstage. Maybe it’s lowest common denominator fan-service, but it’s also Lonsdale standing proud in his identity as a black, gay man, and inviting his audience to love themselves for who they are, too.

Keiynan Lonsdale is currently on tour. Follow on Instagram for updates.