RAYE performed The WhatsApp Shakespear live for the very first time.
On Saturday, August 29, she made the song’s live debut during Reading Festival 2026.
Released on March 27 as part of her album THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE, The WhatsApp Shakespeare recently surpassed 20 million streams on Spotify.
Produced by RAYE and Mike Sabath, the song turns one of the most recognisable rituals of modern relationships (the emotionally loaded text message) into something much more dramatic.
With her latest gig, the Escapismhitmaker fulfilled her longtime dream of headlining the UK festival’s Grid stage.
Opening with Escapismand she debuted tracks like The WhatsApp Shakespeareand Oscar Winning Tears.
She shared how she was turned down twice before going independent, then brought out sisters Amma and Absolutely for ‘Joy’ amid fan favorites such as Winter Woman and a closing WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
With full band, horns, and strings, her set blended pop, soul, and dance from albums like My 21st Century Blues.
The 2026 edition of Reading Festival, held at Richfield Avenue, also known as Little John’s Farm, in Reading, Berkshire, ran from August 27 through August 30.
2026-08-30 14:39:00
