Loyle Carner at Vicar Street: Young rapper on the verge of superstardom

London-born rapper and hip hop artist Loyle Carner came to Dublin’s Vicar Street for a fully sold-out three night run from Sunday, February 19 to Tuesday, February 21.

The shows were a triumphant homecoming of sorts for Carner who played his first ever official gig in Dublin in 2012 – supporting the legendary rapper MF Doom in the Button Factory.

Opening the second night with ‘Hate’ from his critically acclaimed album Hugo (2022), Carner seemed emotional from the outset, soaking up the adoration from the cheering crowd between tracks.

Accompanied by a full band and extensive lighting rig, Carner was on top of his game, masterfully flowing through his back catalogue with seemingly little effort, but an abundance of energy. ‘Georgetown’, ‘Nobody Knows (Ladas Corner)’, and ‘Ottolenghi’, were the highlights of the evening as the eager crowd soaked up every move made, and every lyric rapped by the emcee.

Although only 28 years of age, Carner has accomplished a lot in his young career. With three albums already under his belt, a Mercury Prize nomination, and multiple sell-out shows across the UK, it’s clear that Carner is a superstar-in-waiting.

If his concerts in Vicar Street are anything to go by, it doesn’t feel like Carner will be waiting around for much longer.

Photos: Gary Ibbotson