A Lesson in Self-Love and Self-Confidence with XLOV in Wolverhampton

If you don’t already know the name XLOV, then now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with this exquisite group. Only one year into their debut, the four members, Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru, are stars who glow with profound confidence, style, talent, and sass, being unapologetically themselves through their groundbreaking genderless concept that shines a new light into the K-Pop sphere. Last Wednesday, XLOV became the first-ever K-Pop act to perform in Wolverhampton, playing at the University of Wolverhampton's venue, The Halls, where they taught their loving and supportive fans, known as EVOL, a lesson in how to love and be themselves.

Giving EVOL little to no time to prepare for their iconic split choreography, XLOV opened the show with “Rizz,” asserting dominance and self-confidence, leaving everyone spellbound. “Oh my God, I’m so gorgeous today,” exclaimed Hyun during the first ment, and truer words had never spoken. The entire venue was entranced by the members’ beauty, with them dressed in soft blue denim and light-brown fur that accentuated their etherealness. But behind the soft aesthetics also lay seduction and sensuality as XLOV delved into their enticing debut single “I’mma Be” before closing the first stage with “1 of LOV,” providing a warm, melodic escape through its soothing afrobeat production.

Stepping away from their own discography, XLOV then switched up the setlist, treating EVOL to two spectacular duet performances that saw Wumuti and Rui deliver a flirtatious cover of “Gashina” by Sunmi (complete with the famous ‘finger gun’ choreography). Hyun and Haru fiercely took on “Mamushi” by Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chiba, where Haru shone, rapping in his mother tongue of Japanese. Before long, XLOV reunited as a quartet, delivering a sweet rendition of “Lovesick Girls” by BLACKPINK, where their breathtaking vocals took center stage.

Returning to their own music catalogue, their versatility remained evident as the hip-hop-heavy “BIZNESS” arrived, bold and bewitching, gifting EVOL with their innovative skirt choreography, before offering deep, atmospheric notes of sultry R&B with the desirable "Scent" that had everyone hooked. With freedom and expression key to XLOV’s concept, Wumuti introduced the next song with a heartfelt speech that evoked strong emotions and vulnerability, leading into a tender performance of "Kiss and say goodbye," with XLOV's delicate vocals and the song's message deeply moving the crowd. Walking the stage, sending kisses and finger hearts to EVOL, a heartwarming cover of "Angel Baby," by Troye Sivan gracefully followed, where XLOV reaped the love being reciprocated. "I'm so grateful to everyone who came to our concert tonight. Thank you very much. I love you EVOLs" beamed Rui as XLOV entered another heartfelt ment. Here, each member shared strong messages of hope, love, and encouragement, with Wumuti taking it upon himself to correctly translate his members' words, never letting EVOL miss out on the importance of self-love. 

Photo: XLOV Official X

Performing at a University venue, XLOV proceeded to switch up the mood by teaching a lesson in “how to be dirty,” demonstrating poses for EVOL to copy ready for "Dirty Baby," a performance that unleashed a lot of sass into the building. "Did you learn well or not?" asked Wumuti, referring to the poses they had taught. "Let me check" he continued as he scanned the audience, jokingly calling out anyone who wasn't participating properly, erupting waves of laughter amongst his members and EVOL. 

With the concert almost at its end, only three songs remained on the setlist. The sensational "Drip Drip" worked its magic first, casting a nostalgic spell onto the venue with its UK-garage arrangement that XLOV's vocals beautifully danced over. "1&Only" succeeded, being a fan-favorite that XLOV knew EVOL had been waiting all night for, with Rui's iconic back bend sending EVOLs wild, having finally witnessed the move live with their own eyes. 

“Thank you for all of the support, all of the energy, and all of the power you give. Thank you for letting us feel fully loved tonight,” said Wumuti as the show edged closer towards the encore, with each member sharing more sincere messages that touched the hearts of everyone in the venue. Together, XLOV and EVOLs hearts went “Biii:-P” as the concert made its way to the encore stage, ending on a bittersweet high, full of happiness and joy that will forever remain memorable and precious for all involved.

Watching a group who isn't afraid to challenge traditional norms by simply being themselves feels monumental, with XLOV providing much needed representation, and a safe space, for so many people worldwide. A celebration of expression, self-love, and self-confidence, XLOV'S first full European tour was everything and more for EVOLs, with XLOV being a one-of-a-kind, special group that everyone can learn from. 

Thank you to XLOV, 257 Entertainment, and 5 Oceans for having The Kraze at the show.