If you follow what we publish here at Essentialibiza you will be acutely aware of how fond we are of unique performances in unlikely spots around the island. We do love a big club affair but, for us, the smaller more intimate dalliances are what set the island apart from everywhere else on the planet. Well, try and imagine how happy we are as we make our way to Figueretes and Es Vive Hotel to be precise to check out Santigold on the rooftop of the stunning art deco hotel, courtesy of Sony Entertainment Network.
It’s that time again, that we here at Essential like to call the witching hour, the heat has gone from the sun but it’s still bright enough to legitimise the wearing of shades. Es Vive has undergone a refurbishment during the past year, resulting in a sparkling new pool deck, a stunning art deco bar/ restaurant and the jewel in the crown, the roof top terrace. This is where Santigold will be performing a couple of songs for a selected, invitation only crowd before heading poolside for the bigger performance.
We’ve heard a good bit about the Es Vive roof conversion but this is our first time on it and it truly is something special. The view is breathtaking and it adds yet another string to the bow of one of the island’s finest establishments. After some schmoozing and catching up with friends, Santigold takes to the stage, with Santi White joined by her two dancers and DJ. Santi delivers a flawless performance of ‘L.E.S Artistes’ from her 2008 album ‘Santogold’ and ‘Disparate Youth’, in my humble opinion the stand out track of her 2012 follow up ‘Master Of My Make-Believe’. It’s the perfect appetizer for the main show a little later.
With a bit of time to kill before the next show we take advantage of the new Deco bar/ restaurant and order some food. The service is great, despite the instant influx of hungry diners from the roof; the food is delivered and consumed in good time. My steak hits the spot and sets me up nicely for the rest of the event. The intimate gig is part of the Sony Entertainment Network Ibiza and with about 150 people crowded around the stage set in the alcove opposite the pool, we are almost ready to go.
Santi’s two dancers are amazing, the deadpan expressions and intricate dance routines compliment the performance and deliver a few comedy moments along the way. Santigold runs through a full set, a mixture from both albums, including the likes of L.E.S Artistes, You’ll Find A Way, Disparate Youth, Say Aha, The Keepers and Freak Like Me, which is the closing tune. Santi White interacts with the crowd throughout the performance, and even invites some people up on stage to dance along with them! The second album has been a long time coming but on the evidence of tonight’s amazing performance, well worth the wait. Hats off to Sony for bringing the Brooklyn based singer/ rapper to the white isle for her debut, hopefully it won’t be the last time.
‘Santigold played Es Vive as part of Sony Entertainment Network Ibiza. For more information visit www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/ibiza