Humble Royalty

For the first time at Gröna Lund Seinabo Sey takes to the stage as a solo performer. She might have found a scene that fits perfectly with her simple but glorious charisma.

The scenography is also simple, with a few colourful variations. They are emphasizing the retro feeling of classic soul. And a big, colourful circle in the middle above the Sey-team, completing the words “remember me under the sun”. While Sey-team is wearing beige outfits, all eyes are aimed towards the queen of the show who is wearing two bright colours. Namely the colours of the Swedish flag, blue and yellow. This hardly seems like a coincidence, and towards the middle of the show, she speaks about racism.

It’s quite packed with people for being a Swedish performer on a day with such cloudy weather. Her Sey-sider fans are not to be underestimated. Unfortunately, when it’s time for take-off, the audio tech fails the Sey-team completely. How can an audience not sympathize when she says “So typical. Of course, it must be this way. I’ve waited five years for this; naturally, this is what happens.” Her irritation aimed towards the sound engineers at Gröna Lund is noticeable. Still, she says this with a tongue in cheek attitude.

Second round Seinabo and her team are on a high, along with the audience. Every note and every beat is perfect, and lights are in excellent sync with the rhythm. Sey maintains her signature stage language, simplicity, which in her case is a handball winning concept.  It’s not an adhesive shielded attitude. Every smirk and every raised eyebrow is part of the charm. It’s Seinabo Sey – aware of her royalty, but still humble. Therefore, perhaps her charisma is a perfect match with the intimacy that Gröna Lund gives. Besides, she hardly needs to prove anything using anything but her voice. She does it phenomenally. It goes without exaggerating to say that Seinabo Sey has a voice to which no one else in Sweden can compare.

Sey keeps it honest, opening up about the reason for waiting five years to perform at Gröna Lund. The fear of no one showing up. Many would criticize such a statement, which shows weakness and could make her audience nervous. Perhaps it’s because of her soul, or because of the relaxed audience, or because of Sey’s charming personality. But this type of vulnerability is only appreciated.

Seinabo Sey shows her humility further as she presents not only guest artists; Hannes, Salem Al-Fakir and Vincent Pontare, but also her three background singers. They all get a moment in the spotlight. After which Sey later says “They’re so great, I hate singing alone“. And it’s hardly a shame that this contributes to the retro soul-feel.

This performance and work of art were both flawless. Her Sey-side fans left with tears and joy. However, guest artists and sound engineers would need some practice to reach this level. But it’s nothing Sey will ever concern herself with as she continues to uplifts others, humble as she is.

Photos by: Amandus Kraftling