Global superstar Will Smith brought his “Based on a True Story” European Tour to a sensational close at Cardiff Castle, wrapping up the summer season of the Depot Live concert series.
The GRAMMY Award and Oscar winner captivated the crowd with a performance that recorded his journey from his early days as the chart-topping rapper, The Fresh Prince, to his celebrated acting career. Fans enjoyed a set filled with his biggest hits, including Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami, Summertime, and Men in Black. The finale of which featured a special collaboration with 30 students from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, who were dressed as the iconic inter-stellar secret agents from the hit sci-fi movie. During the show, Smith also paid tribute to his late co-star James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, describing him as being “like a father to him.”
Addressing the audience, Smith expressed his gratitude, stating, “Cardiff this is beautiful, this is my first time ever performing here. Thank you so much, this has been quite a beautiful time.” He continued, “I’ve dedicated my life to entertaining you. It has been my career mission and my life’s mission to bring joy and happiness into this world, so thank you for being here.”
The evening also featured supporting performances from BBC Radio One’s Melvin Odoom and Rickie Haywood-Williams, as well as a special guest appearance by music legend Nile Rodgers, who, along with his band CHIC, energised the crowd with a string of classic hits.
Photography by Depot Live/Cuffe & Taylor
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