Based in Berlin, the COLORS Show has become a global hub for musical discovery, celebrating artists from every corner of the world. With its minimalist set design and focus on raw talent, the show creates a space where music is stripped back to its purest form. Each artist performs against a single, vibrant color backdrop, chosen to reflect the tone and mood of their performance. Selecting just ten incredible performances from the countless options available was a challenge, but here are my personal favourites.

1. Mahalia – Sober

Mahalia's "Sober" is a heartfelt exploration of regret and emotional vulnerability, capturing the messy aftermath of a failed relationship. Written when she was just 19, the track blends R&B and jazz influences into a smooth, timeless sound. Her COLORS performance, delivered with effortless poise and maturity beyond her years, propelled her career to new heights.

2. ENNY – Peng Black Girls

ENNY's "Peng Black Girls" celebrates Black womanhood, highlighting the beauty and diversity within the community. The track's smooth blend of soulful keys and laid-back beats provide the perfect backdrop for ENNY's insightful lyrics, which challenge societal beauty standards and uplift Black women of all shades and styles. Her COLORS performance brought this empowering message to a broader audience, showcasing her effortless flow and authentic storytelling.

3. Giggs' - The Essence

Giggs' "The Essence" is a contemplative sequel to his earlier track "Pain Is The Essence," reflecting on his experiences and resilience when facing challenges. His COLORS performance strips back the production, placing his signature deep voice and measured delivery at the forefront. The performance feels conversational yet commanding, giving the track's reflective lyrics the space to resonate fully. The session resonated with existing fans and introduced Giggs' unique style to a wider audience, further cementing his place in the UK rap scene.

4. Jorja Smith - Blue Lights

Jorja Smith's "Blue Lights" is a powerful track that explores the anxieties faced by young Black individuals in the UK, particularly regarding their encounters with the police. Released as her debut single in 2016, the song samples Dizzee Rascal's "Sirens" and addresses themes of racial profiling and societal pressures. Her performance on COLORS captures the song's emotional depth, blending grace and strength in a way that commands attention. The rendition also highlights her impressive vocal range and talent for conveying profound messages through music.

5. Oxlanda - KU LO SA

Oxlade's "KU LO SA" is a captivating Afrobeats track that showcases his smooth vocals and infectious energy. The song's title is a stylized pronunciation of "closer," reflecting its themes of intimacy and desire. Premiering on COLORS in June 2022, the performance quickly gained traction, amassing over 74 million views on YouTube. This exposure propelled the track to international acclaim, leading to a remix featuring Camila Cabello in December 2022. Oxlade's dynamic delivery and the song's catchy melody have made "KU LO SA" a standout hit in his discography.

6. George The Poet and Maverick Sabre - Follow The Leader

George The Poet and Maverick Sabre's "Follow The Leader" is a powerful collaboration that delves into themes of societal influence and personal accountability. Their performance on COLORS reduces the track to its core elements, highlighting George The Poet's expressive spoken word delivery and Maverick Sabre's soulful vocals. The minimalist setting of COLORS directs the audience's attention to the lyrics and emotional delivery, creating a thought-provoking and moving experience.

7. SWSH – How You Feel

SWSH's "How You Feel" is a soulful meditation on vulnerability and emotional transparency in relationships. This previously unreleased single highlights their unique ability to blend introspective storytelling with a laid-back R&B groove. SWSH's emotive vocals and the song's stripped-back arrangement create an intimate atmosphere, pulling listeners into its reflective mood. The COLORS performance amplified the song's emotional weight and introduced SWSH's artistry to a new audience, solidifying this as a standout moment in their career.

8. Sofi Tukker – Drinkee

Sofi Tukker's "Drinkee" is a hypnotic track that fuses electronic beats with Brazilian poetry, creating something entirely original. Adapted from a poem by Chacal, the lyrics bring a playful energy to the duo's pulsating rhythms. Their COLORS performance strips away any excess, highlighting the raw simplicity of their sound. The track's infectious groove, a unique blend of global influences, and dancefloor-ready energy culminate in a bold, genre-defying performance.

9. Eddy de Pretto – Random

Eddy de Pretto's "Random" is a raw and introspective track that explores themes of insecurity and the need for validation. Known for blending traditional French chanson with modern urban influences, de Pretto uses his distinctive style to challenge societal norms and expectations. His intimate COLORS performance captured the attention of a global audience, cementing his reputation as one of France's most innovative and authentic voices.

10. Sudan Archives – Iceland Moss

Sudan Archives' "Iceland Moss" is a spellbinding fusion of R&B, experimental soundscapes, and her signature violin work. Known for drawing inspiration from Sudanese fiddlers and West African rhythms, she delivers a performance that feels otherworldly yet deeply grounded. Her COLORS session highlights her delicate yet commanding vocals and innovative instrumentation that feels entirely her own.