Doja Cat [Luke Dyson]

WITH acts dropping out last minute, and a decision to finish early on the Sunday to allow fans to catch the Euros, Wireless Festival was this year shrouded in controversy.

But before Finsbury Park was taken over by England shirts, with even Doja Cat forced to acknowledge the final, shouting at the crowd, “I heard there was a game today? Come on England!”, the star-studded line-up meant audiences were not left disappointed.

Despite the heat, Saturday saw teenagers sporting knee-high fur boots as they crushed forward to get a glimpse of dazzling performances from some of hip-hop’s biggest hitters.

The afternoon saw east London’s J Hus return to the stage for the first time in five years. He looked relaxed, grinning between songs and running around the stage. A surprise appearance from Mostack for Fisherman boosted energy levels even further, fuelled by cheers from the audience.

Afrobeat star Asake gave the most memorable performance. Backed by a live band complete with boogying saxophonist and five choreographed dancers, his set stood out from other performers who stuck to solo jumping around.

The production values even stretched to bursts of on-stage fire, and a short interlude in which the Nigerian singer paraded through the crowd with a mini flame-thrower. His commanding tone and captivating stage presence meant the audience was left in no doubt that Asake is truly at the top of the game.

21 Savage headlined, performing hits like a lot and Bank Account as part of his UK festival debut. Audiences chanted for Drake – many were convinced he would make an appearance due to the mythic “every three years he comes to Wireless” trend – but it wasn’t to be.

Instead, moshpits swelled to create an electrifying atmosphere as the night drew to a close.