It was 1 year ago that I was last at the Co-op Live in Manchester. The dulcet tones of Dr John Cooper Clarke and Linton Kwesi Johnson were the order of that day. But March 2026 brought an entirely different proposition, and that was the Wu Tang Clan. Not only that but all of the key players showed up, even Method Man!
So in 1993 the Wu Tang Clan gave Hip Hop a much needed lift. Black music and culture needed an entirely different focus, and so Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers) was exactly that. But not just that. The power of the collective was not the only focus, and so the solo careers that spawned from this were nothing more than groundbreaking. I’ll be honest I wasn’t quite that cool enough to get Words from the Genius, but in 1995 Liquid Swords barely left my turntable deck. It still doesn’t today. Because GZA is the genius. There were some absolutely amazing solo releases, and for me the Prodigy remix of Method Man’s Release Yo Delf remains displayed on my bedroom wall.
So back to Manchester in March 2026 and the energy of the Wu Tang is amazing. On the mic at least. RZA and Method Man are still spritely. Some of the others, particularly the legend that is the GZA, could do with a seat (or even a Zimmer frame). Come on, this guy was born in 1966 and he’s still banging out a final world tour in style!
So having purchased far too much merchandise, and seen the Killa Beez swarm what makes the perfect gig? Well, with the Clan in da front and hoods on the right, I had Salha at my back! She’s my Final Chamber and we shared the Wu experience together.
To build on this we need to keep promoting Black music and culture. Salha is busy both with Teakisi & Tribe Tesi you can find her on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Don’t forget that May 2026 brings Africa Day and so keep yourselves ready and available for this event.
