It’s been one hell of a year at Cargo, jaw dropping live performances, roof raising DJ sets, secret last minute gigs, sold out high profile performances and gigs that snuck up on us and took us all by surprise. We’ve picked our top eight, but not in any specific order, just our favourite ones. (Apologies to the Sugababes, but they were pipped at the post by Greg the Sound Engineer getting his tadge out infront of Miss Dynamite.)

Gang Gang Dance: “Best gig of the year for me. Caught me completely by surprise and didn’t let me go. A+++ would dance again” Jimi Fiver (Jimi usually only gives reviews to people who sell him vintage vinyl on eBay)

Seun Kuti – “Their tour manager was a bit bemused when he saw the size of the stage, but i think they really enjoyed playing to an intimate, devoted audience. It was the best i’ve ever seen them play, plus we got to have Fela’s old band sat around our office eating fruit… it was a dream for us to do these gigs.” Tom

Neon Neon: “Neon Neon made you realise that you settle for a lot less when seeing a band nowadays, and it’s only when you see a really good band, like this superband, that you realise every band should be this good” – JoeDiggity

Saul Williams: “more than a concert, it was a skillfully delivered seminar on the contents of one very special mind.” – Jon

Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards 2008: “I couldn’t believe I got to witness such amazing talent on one stage in one night – Steve Reid, Christian Prommers Drumlesson, Benga, Theo Parrish.  I am still waiting for Erykah Badu to show up!” Peggatron

Robert Glasper: “Two and a half hours of Glasper getting loose on the rhodes and Chris Dave keeping time, if you know about real music, then this was pretty much perfect in every way” Greg. Check the video if you don’t believe

Mulatu Astatke & the Heliocentrics: “This was an unforgettable gig in so many ways. Having the Heliocentrics, one of the UKs best bands rooted in hiphop, interpret Mulatu’s classic tunes was reediculous.” Claudio (you can listen to the Mulatu set at Red Bull Music Academy radio by clicking here)

Buraka Som Sistema:” I’ve never seen an act that had the power to get everyone to sit down, and then jump up at a critical moment. even the industry people got busy.  its one thing seeing them dj or have one mc along, but this was the whole band. The show was unbelievable.” Polly (you can listen to the Buraka Som Sistema set on Red Bull Music Academy Radio by clicking here)

have you got a gig of the year? Leave your vote in the box below and we’ll give you free entry to Cargo for the first month of 2009.