DR.ATM’s Debut Live Performance Captures Raw Nightlife Energy
By Emmanuel Daraloye
Michael Tobi Akindele, professionally known as DR.ATM’s UK debut live performance is a free-flowing visual style that enlivens the soul and creates a space for intimacy and escape. It was at an event called “The Blueprint” which was held at the Players Entertainment event space in Coventry on the 23rd of November, 2024. It starts with an attention-catching showcase of premium liquor bottles and their sparklers with blazing fire. This lighting plays a big role in giving a clear message of the club and the people in the video. The atmosphere is one of excitement and pure nightlife energy.
As cool blue and violet ambient lights flow across the room, the beaming smiles and raised voices can be heard, singing back the songs performed by the artist. There were cinematic shots from the various angles of the club. This approach really suits him. He held the mic firmly with euphoria, and he filled up the beat with his voice. His Afrobeat jams, driven by a percussive beat and lively groove, carry the natural imperfections of a real-stage setting.
After the chant, “DJ, we wanna party,” the chorus of his soul-shuddering single, “Elevate,” is received with a celebration and hype. While people lean in and throw themselves into the mood, DR.ATM joins in the same vein, but it is clear he receives the song in a different way, as it shows in his energy. Especially at the point when DR.ATM and the people heard, “From the East to the West to the North to the South / You’ve given me reason to not be in doubts,” and the DJ made a loop, the club felt the heat.
The second track, “Baddo Jingle,” follows as the people find renewed energy to dance and rock the dance floor. This complements the celebratory tone of the performance and creative spirit of the disc jockey. As the people gathered around throughout the performances, even while there was drinking, flirting, and shouting from every nook and cranny, DR.ATM churned out his own lyrics with a fine showcase of mastery.
To his debut live performance in the UK, DR.ATM brings in authenticity, which makes his performance stand out. ATM performs with a believing energy and conviction, which are defining qualities that separate newcomers in this very competitive industry. However, the arrangement of the event sequence should have been worked on more. The ambience of a nightclub should be of energy and vibes, but a performance video should have an order to follow, as this does not mean that the vibes won’t be there, but it means that the performance video would be less chaotic and orderly.
DR.ATM’s first live performance makes him stay glued to the Afrobeats groove. His actions and energy have diverse positive effects on the audience present and the ones that are not present physically. His songs, especially “Elevate,” add street-like vibes to the video, even while the artist infuses some sorts of Christian-themed messages. His message is relatable in the song, which gives the video a soft landing.
The audiences are quick feedback senders. In the video, they cheered on and hyped DR.ATM, leaving no space of doubt from the people. This debut is a propeller to what DR.ATM is capable of doing in the UK and Global Afrobeats music industry.
