The opening day of All Points East on 15 August 2025 was nothing short of cinematic – a five-hour odyssey unfolding under the summer sun in Victoria Park. At its core was Provenance, a bold, genre-defying soul-opera spearheaded by SAULT, with Cleo Sol and Chronixx as collaborators and co-stars in an expansive, theatrical spectacle. From the outset, the East Stage transformed into a vision of otherworldly desert grandeur; giant pyramids, sweeping amphitheaters of sand-hued screens, choreographed dancers in ritualistic garb, and orchestral choirs clad in cloaks that evoked both ancient rites and sci-fi majesty.
SAULT’s performance, still only their second live show ever, delivered a powerful audio-visual assault. Songs like Why Why Why Why Why, Son Shine, Wildfires, Free, and I Just Wanna Dance soared with neo-soul polish, underpinned by gospel-pop grooves and gospel undercurrents, all laid over dramatic staging. Yet, for all its ambition, the show was not without growing pains. Delays plagued the evening, what was meant to start at 5 pm slipped closer to 6 pm, leaving sweltering crowds under the sun frustrated and anxious. The pyramidal set design, while striking, also obstructed views and clouded engagement for many attendees.
Into this swirling creative stew stepped Chronixx, reggae’s charismatic ambassador. His set, by contrast, delivered warmth, clarity, and community. Tracks like Legend, Survivor, Skankin’ Sweet, and Way You Make Me Feel (with guest Kelissa) grounded the audience, raiding energy back into the evening with soulful exhortations of unity and resilience. Then came the surprise star: Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) appeared unannounced, delivering dynamic, kinetic setpieces and techno-infused freestyles, his presence a thrilling wildcard atop an already lavish palette.
Finally, Cleo Sol closed out the marathon. Draped in regal, shimmering ensembles, whether a golden gown in one review or sparkling silver cocktail attire in another, her voice flooded the park with grace, intimacy, and solace. Songs like There Will Be No Crying, Rose in the Dark, Sunshine, Know That You Are Loved and others felt like balm after theatrical excess. But by then, many in the crowd had thinned, and set curfew loomed, cutting her set short.