Stevie Wonder Closes Blackweir Music Series with Soul, Sunshine and a Powerful Message

The legendary Stevie Wonder brought Cardiff’s Blackweir Music Series to a close with a performance that was soulful, political, and packed with unforgettable moments. Seeing a true icon perform in Bute Park, with the sun shining over the city, felt almost surreal — a once-in-a-lifetime night.

Support came from Corinne Bailey Rae, who returned to the stage after a quiet spell in the spotlight. Her set included newer, lesser-known tracks, but she finished strong with a gorgeous rendition of Put Your Records On, with the crowd singing it straight back to her. On the towering Blackweir stage, she looked small — but her voice filled the field.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Stevie took to the stage with his two children, who joined him as backing singers — a touching start to what would become a family-filled, celebratory show. His band, a huge 14-piece ensemble, included two drummers, multiple saxophones, guitars, bass, and backing vocals — a full wall of sound behind one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Before launching into music, Stevie addressed the crowd with a heartfelt message, talking about blindness — not just his own, but the kind he sees in world leaders who fail to recognise injustice. Wearing a suit with sequinned images of Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, he spoke about the need to see people for who they are, not by their race, religion, or background. It was a heavy, thoughtful moment, but it came from a place of love and hope — a theme that carried into his opening number, Love’s in Need of Love Today.

After a short pause in the set to receive an honorary fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (a surprise moment that added to the sense of occasion), Stevie and the band hit their stride. What followed was a stunning run through his back catalogue — extended jams, medleys, and even a spotlight moment for his children.

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At 74, his voice is still incredibly strong, his energy unfading, and his connection to the crowd as natural as ever. Hits like Superstition, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Sir Duke and I Just Called to Say I Love You had the entire field on their feet.

It was a fitting end to Cardiff’s newest live music series — soulful, joyful, and full of meaning. Stevie Wonder didn’t just give us a show. He gave us a message, a celebration, and a night we’ll never forget.