Harlem musician, Azealia Banks, wooed a sold out crowed at the O2 Academy Oxford on Saturday night.

Currently mid way through a UK tour, Banks gained international cult approval following the 2011 internet release of her lyrically raunchy but visually endearing 212 music video. Supporting Banks were fellow New Yorkers Zebra Katz, whose style has the tonality of Busta Rhymes but with a significantly more relaxed flow, and the playful Njena Reddd Foxxx.

At just 21 years old with emerald hair to her thighs, a crop-top and hotpants, Banks spent the evening avoiding the trappings of many young women in her position these days, relying on hype and image.

She took to the stage ten minutes late, and with the exception of one wardrobe change, spent every minute of her strict-curfew performance demonstrating her ability as an artist and not just an internet blip.

With little banter other than the obligatory Oxford shout-out, she focused on her music.

Her focus paid off. With a trendy 20-something audience, the room was captivated by the petite entertainer's energy. She swaggered through her set with vigour and enthusiasm, banging out songs including her singles Luxury, Esta Noche, 1991 and Liquorice.

Her set focused on displaying her talent as a rapper but disappointingly shied away from showcasing her full vocal range - which is wide. With a flow that is intense she lacked the vocal projection of a seasoned expert that would have helped her find balance with the venue's huge sound system, but that will come with time and by no means was it enough to detract from the performance.

The young artist's endearing self awareness also made an appearance at the end of the night when introducing the finale 212: "this is the song that started all this s***. This is probably the only reason why any of you guys even know who I am."

This may be true, but it is certainly not why everyone will watch with fascination as she returns stateside later this year for the release of her debut album. She has hit the mark in the UK but whether or not she can stick-it in the fierce and ruthless US music industry remains to be seen.

Lisa Thomson