It’s possibly the most encompassing demographic milling about the Entertainment Centre’s cavernous lobby tonight – there’s groups of greying gents encircled around their beverages, women tottering about in heels and sequins, numerous denim clad 20-somethings and teens clutching their programs, but possibly the best sight of all – some single digit little ones, running between seats replete with giant headphones.

Really, we could expect no lesser a cross-section for a Stevie Wonder show.

Having Toto amplified over the soundsystem, and a collection of 4KQ classics as a support, the lights dim and Wonder trots out onstage, lead by daughter and back-up singer Aisha Morris

Fleshed by a 15-piece band, with no less than three percussionists, two brass, four choreographed back up singers and of course Wonder front and centre, he’s only one song in when he drops Master Blaster – and those seated are wishing they’d parted with the extra dimes for a standing (soon to be shimmying) spot on the floor.

Typically, there is Wonder’s now renowned social conscience vibe, interspersing tracks for commentary with a particularly touching dedication of I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) to the recently passed Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs – a mentor to Wonder’s own career.

The treats continue to engulf the room, as Higher Ground and Living For the City play tag-team alongside some lesser known, but no lesser-loved later tracks. His slightly confusing take on Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On is a little bemusing with its overused vocoder effects, introducing a mid-set lull, emphasised by a 15-minute oratory about peace, love, and his despair at the US gun culture. But when you’re 58, with a body of work this size, you can let your humanity permeate every facet of your life – even while playing a sold out arena.

This two-hour plus performance culminating in a megamix of sorts, as we’re sent on our way with Signed Sealed Delivered, My Cherie Amour and a truly seminal spin in the dance-inducing Superstition.

Heading for our chosen modes of transportation, we are somewhat relieved to have not endured Ebony & Ivory, instead guiltily humming Part Time Lover.

Let it not be another 20 years until next time Mr Wonder.

Words By Brianna Dalton & Evelyn Hendricksen of Rave Magazine

Photos by Kylie Keene for Rave Magazine