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We review Tunde Baiyewu of the Lighthouse Family, Soul II Soul and Sugababes at the Rochester Castle Concerts

This year’s Rochester Castle Concerts have seen huge artists such as Nile Rodgers and Soft Cell take to the stage.

Last night, to finish off the four-date string of live music, a soul-tastic line-up of bands and singers made sure the concert series went out with a bang, including a headline set from girl group Sugababes.

We caught Tunde Baiyewu, Soul II Soul and Sugababes at the final night of the Rochester Castle Concerts. Picture: Mark Thompson
We caught Tunde Baiyewu, Soul II Soul and Sugababes at the final night of the Rochester Castle Concerts. Picture: Mark Thompson

The all-dayer kicked off earlier than the other concerts and, unfortunately, not many people made it for some of the first acts, which included New Hope Club and Jordan Ravenhill.

However, once the evening began to set in the crowds flooded into the castle grounds, I assume because they could hear the instantly recognisable voice of Tunde Baiyewu blasting out of the speakers.

The Lighthouse Family frontman launched into the band’s hit single, Lifted, just before 6pm and continued to play a number of well-known songs.

His set, which included Ocean Drive and High, had plenty of people off their feet and even those who remained sitting on their picnic blankets were singing along to his soulful voice.

Tunde Baiyewu performed Lighthouse Family hits such as Lifted and High to fans. Picture: Pawel Spolnicki
Tunde Baiyewu performed Lighthouse Family hits such as Lifted and High to fans. Picture: Pawel Spolnicki

After a short break, the second-to-last act of the night hit the stage - in fact, they filled the stage.

Musical collective Soul II Soul had just about every type of band member, from violinists to vocal groups and DJs, you could ask for, which made for a unique sound that filled the open-air venue.

Although not as many people seemed to know the songs, when the group played their 1989 hit Back to Life people literally ran from the toilets and bars to get a good spot in front of the stage to dance and sing along.

After their set had finished, everyone started getting geared up for the popstar headliners of the night.

Until this point, the music between bands had been Motown, RnB and soul classics but, in the 30 minute wait before Sugababes came on the DJ switched it up and went for cheesy ‘90s numbers instead from S Club 7, Spice Girls and Kylie Minogue.

I’m not ashamed to say I knew every song - this was very much my era - and it seemed to get everyone of a similar age well and truly in the mood to hear some noughties bangers we’d long forgotten about.

The girl group, along with their band, played a string of hits – many of which I forgot that I knew! Picture: Leslie Linyard
The girl group, along with their band, played a string of hits – many of which I forgot that I knew! Picture: Leslie Linyard

The original trio - Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy - made their dramatic entrance just before 9pm and went straight into No. 1 single Freak Like Me.

From that point, apart from a couple of newer songs that only the diehard fans seemed to know, it was hit after hit.

I didn’t realise I knew so many Sugababes songs, but I found myself singing along to Lost in You, Hole in the Head and Push the Button along with everyone else.

Even my partner, who definitely isn’t a Sugababes fan, knew a few songs and I caught him mouthing the words once or twice.

After a tribute to UK garage with a cover of Sweet Female Attitude’s Flowers and a couple of ballads sat down on stools (in true noughties fashion), the three-piece finished their set with pop anthem About You Now, which took the roof off the place, metaphorically speaking.

I must admit, I was unsure how much I’d enjoy this one, simply because I hadn’t listened to Sugababes in years and wasn’t expecting to know more than two or three songs.

But it turns out this chart-topping girl group has stuck in the minds and hearts of a few thousand Kent fans - myself included.

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