Roots Manuva tests V Festival audience 'fitness'

Roots Manuva affectionately teased the Staffordshire crowd with his biggest anthem as he played V Festival this afternoon (August 17).

Performing in front of a packed out Virgin Mobile Union Tent, the rapper – real name Rodney Smith - was backed by an MC and two DJs as he got the audience to join in with him throughout the set.

From getting the crowd to sway in time with 'Movement’'s "Left, right, left, right” chorus, to joining in with the last day party vibe."

"I don't know about you," he Smith told the crowd, “but some people are going to have a headache tomorrow" – the enthusiastic set proved high on audience participation.

"There's a lovely bunch of people here, give yourself a round of applause," commanded the rapper before teasing the audience with his final song.

Allowing his DJ to play the opening notes of 'Witness (One Hope)', the tune was abruptly cut off just as the crowd started to cheer.

"You don't want to hear that tune do you? Make some noise!" grinned Smith, before delivering a triumphant version of the song triggering the crowd to bounce ecstatically around the tent.

"See you later V Fest,” declared Smith as he left the stage, "we love you!"

Keep checking NME.COM for the latest news, pictures, videos and blogs live from both V Festival Chelmsford and V Festival Staffordshire all weekend.

Roots tickets:

• Dec 2, 2008 at Academy, Manchester - Check availability
• Dec 3, 2008 at Academy, Bristol - Check availability
• Dec 4, 2008 at Arts Club, London - Check availability

More Roots tickets