Khamari is one of the most exciting young soul singers going around, pioneering a version of neo soul that has captivated audiences all around the world. As part of his first Australian tour, he played a show as part of Vivid, which felt like the perfect setting for the singer as he demonstrated his craft against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour in the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.

The Joan Sutherland Theatre is not always the most suitable venue for a contemporary artist, lending itself more to opera, but the stage was nicely set up and the atmosphere was bubbling as the singer took to the stage. The crowd was absolutely raucous as he emerged and moved straight into his set with “He Said, She Said” and “It’s a Mad World”. The latter in particular proved an early highlight, immediately establishing the intimacy and emotional connection that would define much of the evening.

Khamari has a tone that very much resembles Usher, with influences like Stevie Wonder and Frank Ocean clearly evident in his work. His presence was commanding and serious as he focused very much on the music rather than too much engagement with the crowd. Backed by a tight three-piece band, he demonstrated real restraint in his vocals, allowing the songs to breathe rather than relying on vocal acrobatics as the audience responded warmly to his calm artistry, hanging on every note throughout the performance. 

There was not much audience interaction and while there could have been a little more engagement, it mattered relatively little as it very much gave the vibe that this was an artist performing his craft and very much in the zone. Even in the quieter moments, there was a strong connection between performer and audience that rarely wavered. “Right My Wrongs” was incredibly well executed before “I Love Lucy” brought a touch more tenderness that pleased the crowd. When Khamari moved into “Doctor, My Eyes” and “Head in a Jar”, the screams from the audience were almost unbelievable as they fully connected with his vocals and music. It was a very well put together performance with the utmost professionalism, with the lighting and visual presentation complementing the music without overwhelming it, helping create an atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive despite the size of the venue. He closed out the night with “Sycamore Tree”, “Apollo Eighteen” and a brief encore of “These Four Walls”, which was a great way to bring a wonderful night of music to a close.

Overall, this was a really strong show which showed off Khamari’s voice, songwriting and why he has established himself as one of the leading figures in the modern neo soul movement. While there could have been a little more interaction as the set, despite being 19 songs long, was only just over an hour in length, this was still a very strong performance and an impressive showcase for a young artist whose star continues to rise. Khamari is definitely one to watch and will continue to turn heads as he tours around the world.

Rating: ★★★★

Khamari – Joan Sutherland Theatre – 28 May 2026

All photo credits: Jordan Munns (@jordankmunns)