Nxdia rules the world at the Hare and Hounds

Hare and Hounds, Birmingham, 7 October 2025

As the overhead lights dim, giving way to moody red strobes, and the eager chatter of the crowd begins to subside, everyone fixes their eyes expectantly on the stage where the band has been setting up. Then, all of a sudden, there is a crash and a door swings open, and before anyone can quite register what has happened, the band has burst into action. Nxdia is right there, swaggering through the crowd, wasting no time in getting stuck into one of their biggest hits, the infectiously catchy ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Dressed head to toe in leopard print: fur coat, strappy top, and flares, all framed by their signature monochrome afro – and with hoards of screaming fans matching every lyric – in this moment, it feels like Nxdia rules the world.

The crowd are already in high spirits, having been treated to an opening set by Girl Band, an all-female rock line-up from Nottingham, but the arrival of Nxdia has really kicked things up a notch. With the sweet lilting melodies and pulsing guitar riffs of their signature alt-pop sound, it seems impossible not to get caught up in the beat and – despite their music not being the type of genre I would ordinarily listen to – I must confess that after about 30 seconds, I have found myself bopping along with everybody else.

Nxdia sings triumphantly of having conquered their own past struggles with gendered clothing, creating a powerful moment of unity and self-acceptance

As the first song draws to a close, with Nxdia pausing for a swig of water, there is an audible shout from somewhere in the depths of the crowd, “Welcome to the Midlands Nxdia, we love you!”, to which the Manchester based artist responds “Aw thanks guys, I love you all too” in a mock Brummie accent, drawing laughs from much of the audience. This moment typifies the apparent ease with which Nxdia puts on their show. It’s clear this isn’t their first gig; every lyric is punctuated with gestures making each point explicit, accompanied by unbreaking eye contact with the crowd, making it clear that it is you (yes you!) that they are singing to.

The gig continues its tour of all the hits from Nxdia’s latest mixtape, I Promise No One’s Watching, one of the most memorable is ‘Boy Clothes’, in which – mid song – Nxdia abandons their shock red guitar and jumps directly off stage and into the audience, calling out to all those in the crowd, “If you feel comfortable and beautiful in your outfits right now, to come out give us a walk and show us!”. In response to this, fans of all ages, shapes, and sizes streak towards the runway-like space that has been created by the parted crowd, as Nxdia sings triumphantly of having conquered their own past struggles with gendered clothing (“Fantastic, feeling of elastic… Know you like when I’m in my boy clothes”), creating a powerful moment of unity and self-acceptance, joyously acknowledging the shared experiences of both Nxdia and their fans.

Before leaving the stage altogether, Nxdia and her band go all out, pulling out all the stops for their biggest hit ‘She Likes A Boy’

There is also quieter, more intimate moments throughout the set. Nxdia makes use of the interludes between songs to share moments of introspection with the audience, opening up about topics ranging from their struggles with neurodivergence, accepting their sexuality, coping with the cost of living crisis, and the challenges of growing up in a country far from home. They also speak about the need for more empathy in the world, telling the audience, “the suffering we see around the world really puts all of our own issues into perspective”. They end this speech with the rallying cry: “No-one is free until we are all free. Free Palestine, free Sudan, free Congo! And f**k the government!” to which the crowd cheers in support. Nxdia then tosses their head back in an almost punk-like attitude before launching into the next track.

The impression the night leaves on me most strongly is – not only the charm and genuine charisma of Nxdia as a performer – but the strength and authenticity of the connection they share with their fanbase. Whether they play album hits, cover songs, or even at one point an unreleased track, their fans are unrelenting in their adoration; not for one second do they stop dancing or singing along. As the gig comes to a close, Nxdia themself takes a moment to appreciate the support of her fans, yelling “Everybody say cheese!”, before turning round to take a photo with the crowd as one.

Before leaving the stage altogether, Nxdia and her band go all out, pulling out all the stops for their biggest hit, ‘She Likes A Boy’, to which the crowd go – and there is no other way of putting this – absolutely mental. Amidst the moshpits, flying drinks and chants of “F**k that guy!” (a reference to the final track’s outro), Nxdia throws one last love heart out to the crowd before retreating from the same door they entered, and leaves behind them a sea of fans screaming for more.

★★★★