When an evening with one of the global music industry’s most respected and revered artists’ Aloe Blacc extends itself under the picturesque canopy of one of Sydney’s most picturesque and beloved landmarks, Taronga Zoo, you jump at the opportunity to attend.
Rain clouds looming above and light drizzle falling onto Taronga’s Concert Lawn did not dampen the spirits of true soul / hip hop music lovers who came out to experience a night under the stars with an incredible selection of local and international artists bound for glory.

Opening the night saw Sydney’s multi-talented artist Dobby spark the crowd with his energetic and passionate set of original tracks off his 2018 self-titled EP ‘DOBBY’, including the celebrated single Peregrine. The rapper, drummer, speaker and workshop facilitator, who proudly represents his Aboriginal and Filipino heritage, put on
an exciting performance that created the perfect lead in for the second act, Melbourne artist Mojo JuJu.

Having stormed through the live music circuit in both Melbourne and Sydney with enigmatic performances throughout 2018, Mojo Juju’s delivery was nothing short of poetry in motion. Performing live and original tracks of her third studio album ‘Native Tongue’ underneath the brooding Sydney sky provided Taronga’s audience with a portal into the raw and honest soul that this fast-rising talent possesses, capturing everyone with her stirring and heartfelt blend of spoken word and intrinsic soul music.

The rain, like the artists on stage, ebbed and flowed throughout the night, building up to a crescendo by the time the headliner, L.A born hip hop artist/ singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc took to the stage. The consummate professional and the definition of artistry, Blacc walked on staged to thunderous applause from both audience and skies above, as he performed tracks off his various albums, from beloved original crossover hits such as “I Need a Dollar”, “Wake Me Up” and the feel good “Brooklyn in Summer” and ‘Make Way” to name a few. Setting the tone for an evening of soul, funk and contemporary tunes delivered with poise and passion as only Aloe Blacc delivers, his was a concert experience that will not be forgotten.

Die-hard Blacc fans danced in the pouring Sydney rain with smiles as wide as the sun, and as the evening concluded just as the skies opened, closing off an event well spent enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most iconic harbours alongside some of the music industry’s finest creatives. Well played Twilight at Taronga, well played!

Reviewed by Maxine Johns aka Ms Hennessey