Chaka Khan Cambridge Club festival performance review

Sunday's line-up was packed with music royalty – including the legendary Jazzie B, winner of a life time achievement award at this year's MOBOs fronting Soul II Soul.

35 years strong into their career, the Camden group took the crowd back to the late 1980s and early 90s with their funk and reggae vibes.

With no less than 10 people on stage - including several backing vocalists, guitarists, electric violinists, a bassist, keyboardist and drummer - hips were kept moving throughout.

The biggest reaction of the hour-long show was saved for closing tracks 'Get A Life’ and 'Back to Life'. 

Then, due to a last minute cancellation from Gabrielle due to ill health, it was time for a headline performance from the queen of disco, Chaka Khan. 

Wearing sparkling black trousers and a flowing cloak, the 10-time Grammy Award winner - who was joined by a troupe of dancers and backing vocalists - looked every bit the icon she is.

"Hey, how you doing?” the 71-year-old beamed with her unmistakable Chicago twang, before telling the audience that England is her second home, having lived in the UK for 30 years.

There’s no denying she can really hit the notes still, but it did feel as though there was an over reliance on vocal acrobatics instead of actually singing the lyrics of her biggest hits. 

The attention from much of the crowd seemed to wander halfway through Khan's set, too, when she left the stage for a lengthy outfit change.

With no word from her for a good 20 minutes, what followed was a mid-section of filler where a Khan's nephew stood in as DJ and played some of her newer hits. He also sang, presumably, one of his own songs, as if he was Jason Derulo. 

While the dancers did their utmost to keep the vibes high as the undeniably huge chorus of 'Like Magic' rang out from the speakers, the energy undoubtedly fell a bit flat. 

Although the crowd noticeably shrunk during this interval section, Khan won over those who had stayed with a one-two finale of her biggest hits.

Expectedly, ‘I’m Every Woman’ and ‘’Ain’t Nobody’ ended the festival on a celebratory note.

Her closing show followed a sunny and soulful Saturday that boasted performances from D-Train, Incognito and Family Stone.

Sister Sledge also brought the house down with an audience dance-off to – you’ve guessed it – ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer', amongst their other huge hits.

Earth, Wind and Fire Experience then closed the Saturday night by belting out all their feel-good classics including ‘Boogie Wonderland’, 'September' and ‘Let's Groove'.

(Image: Alice Howard)

Aside from the disappointment of Khan's show, and Gabrielle dropping out, the Cambridge Club 2024 was a success - packed with singalongs, smiles and lots of dancing. 

William Young, The Cambridge Club CEO, said “We have always been about creating a fun, feel-good atmosphere for all ages and this year was no exception.

“We are super proud of the team, and thankful to our amazing audience.

“It has been a challenge at times with the current economic climate, with lots of festivals very sadly disappearing, and those of us still here are battling a lot to keep running successful events.”

(Image: Alice Howard)

He added: "That being said, the Cambridge Club team will always fight for the right to party – especially if it’s in a sunny orchard in Cambridge, with some of favourite artists and a wonderful crowd.

“What a fantastic weekend once more, with so many special moments."