Stormzy took to the AO Arena in Manchester for what he described as 'the biggest show in his life' on Saturday and it certainly felt it. The arena was packed with fans of the artist, young and old, eagerly awaiting to see him perform after a two-year wait.
It was clear from the very start just how big the support was for Stormzy - whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo. People of all ages were up dancing to tracks played by Rachael Anson, and MC'd by Radio 1 Xtra DJ Remi Burgz, with the duo getting the arena popping with Afrobeats, Dancehall, Rap and chart tracks.
I started smiling when I noticed so many kids around me dancing and just having a good time with their mates. It reminded me how much joy you can find in life if you really look, given what's going on around us, and that there are still people who are genuinely happy just to be living in the moment.
But when Stormzy emerged on the stage, I can quite honestly say I've never really experienced a cheer quite like it before. People were screaming their lungs out, and I promise you I'm not exaggerating - some people had actual tears in their eyes.
It was mad, it felt like some sort of Messiah was emerging, and he repaid his fan faithful with a blistering start of some of his more upbeat songs - Big Michael, Audacity and Know Me From. It won't come as a surprise to hear that it didn't take long to get everyone dancing, and people were clearly having the time of their lives.
But it was the gospel part of the show which for me, made it a moment I'll never forget. Six backing singers joined Stormzy on stage for Crown, Superheroes, Do Better and Cigarettes and Kush.
Let me tell you, it was something, and it took me a minute to properly take it all in. I've got pretty strong views about the attitudes of some people in Manchester towards young Black men particularly. Manchester is a brilliant city most of the time, but unfortunately, there remain some hateful views.
So to see an entire venue, filled with over 10,000 people standing there and applauding Stormzy, a successful Black man who isn't afraid to tackle issues like racism and gang violence, it was something. We're nowhere near where we need to be in this country when it comes to race relations, but for a few hours, it was nothing but celebration of Black culture, and it was brilliant. Really, really brilliant.
Blinded By Your Grace Part 2 was a particularly special moment. Stormzy was joined by his gospel choir for the song, and it was honestly breathtaking. It was one of those moments where you sit back and reflect on your own life, and the things you've struggled with yourself. I found it a really emotional moment, and to be real with you, I had to fight back tears.
It's been a really rough few years for me (as it has for many), and in those few minutes, I was able to sit and reflect about how far I've come, and the stuff I've managed to battle through.
I imagine it was the same for many people, because away from the cheers, you could see quite a few people embracing their partners, or deep in reflection. That's the power of music I suppose - and it's something which Stormzy is a genius at.
His music is so much more than songs you can blast in the car, or dance to in a club. His lyrics have meaning, and make you reflect on life - and perhaps some of the things which people might take for granted.
The visuals, too, were a lesson in stage magic. Giant HD screens were filled with different images throughout the show, and kept the audience engaged throughout.
We were given lessons of kindness, and reminded about the impact of racism in the UK. Some of the clips shown were subtle, but if you were really listening to the lyrics and taking them in, they spoke volumes.
Music aside, more than anything, what really said a lot about Stormzy as a person, away from being an artist, was the way he interracted with his audience. He took time throughout the show to thank people for coming, and to celebrate the people close to him.
Looking up at the big screens which were zoomed in on his face, you could tell he felt emotional every time the crowd went berserk for him. One moment which really struck me was when Stormzy stopped the show to wish his manager Big Trev a happy birthday. Describing him as a mentor, and uncle and a friend, the rapper had the entire arena singing Happy Birthday to Trev, and it was a moment.
At the end of the show, Stormzy jumped into a crowd of his fans who had been standing for the entire show.
There are a fair few musicians these days who wouldn't dream of doing it - either because they're too precious, or because they're scared of getting hurt by people who might love' em a little bit too much.
But Stormzy? Nah, he didn't care. He'd been talking about community and loving each other for the entire show, and at the end, he demonstrated it in the most incredible way.
Stormzy promised a legendary night, and it was exactly that.
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