The singer and songwriter made the first of three performances in Brazil this Wednesday, the 6th, with great hits from her almost three-decade career
American singer, songwriter and producer Erykah Badu He is the type of artist that moves crowds. Even on days when rain poses as an obstacle, as happened this Wednesday, 6th, in São Paulo, where the artist performed at a packed Espaço Unimed.
This was the first of three performances by the queen of neo soul, who still participates in the Rock the Mountain in Petrópolis (RJ) this Friday, 8th. Afterwards, the artist heads to Bahia, performing at the Salvador version of the festival Afropunk on Saturday the 9th.
Back to the presentation in São Paulo, the DJ sets Vivian Marques and Lys Ventura were exactly what is expected for these occasions: songs that warm up the audience for what is to come. Brazilian and international hits without dropping the ball during the stage organization.
For the opening show, the singer and songwriter from Bahia Luedji Luna presented the last show of the tour of the great It’s Really Good to Be Underwater Deluxe released by her in 2022. With a band lined up and all her characteristic stage presence, the artist closed with a flourish a series of shows of what is — to date — her best work.
Some highlights from the presentation Luedji are the tracks”It’s really good to be underwater,” “While I Sleep” and “Skin” — the first song written by her — gain an additional tone with the chorus that comes from the audience and accompanies the singer throughout the show. The “Leaf Bath,” the composer’s biggest hit, and which ended the show could not have been better. A worthy ending to a successful tour.
The main attraction entered the stage a few minutes late, nothing that hindered the experience. On the contrary, Badu entered the stage at a time when expectations for his arrival were at their highest.
Before her, the band took the stage, first performing an instrumental number and then with the presence of backing vocals who, initially, could not be heard, probably due to some technical failure that was quickly resolved.
Erykah Baduthen takes the stage, with the hat he’s been wearing for the last few years and the penetrating gaze we know – and love. Badu also paid tribute to the rapper 2Pacwhich was printed on his t-shirt, initially covered by a kind of overcoat. The rings and accessories showed what made her recognized as the 2024 icon of the Council of Fashion Designers of America a few days before leaving for Brazil.
The singer opened the show with the track “The Healer,” which is part of the album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)released in 2008, then sang the absolute hit “On & On“, from the unquestionable classic Baduizm (1997), followed by “…& On” from the album Mama’s Gun (2000), a great way to bring the audience up close.
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The artist made a point of saying that the beginning of her stay in South America in São Paulo was her choice. Badu he also played with the synthesizer and improvised sounds and gestures that mesmerized the audience.
The presentation continued with “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” — which was recorded with the rapper common and integrates the soundtrack of In the Lull of Love (2002) – “My People,” which featured a choir coordinated by the artist, who then performed “Time’s a Wastein,” “Sometimes” and “Appletree“. At that moment the artist improvised some verses to ask for corrections on the microphone, without interrupting the song or losing connection with the band.
Badu followed the show with a cover of “Workinonit” by rapper J Dilla“Window Seat,” the first track of New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)(2010) to appear in the presentation. The artist also sang “Otherside of the Game” and ended the block with “Them Changes,” cover of Thundercat.
“Umm Hmm” opened what would be the last part of the show. The band then played the intro to “Bag Lady“which ended up transforming”Next Lifetime.” The penultimate song was the third and final cover of the night, this time by the American R&B duo René & Angelawith “You Don’t Have to Cry“, Badu ended the presentation with “Tyrone,” from the live album released by her in 1997.
No encore, ErykahBadu said goodbye to São Paulo. Which makes sense, considering that the passing of shooting stars — and it’s definitely as impressive as one — happens all at once. Lucky for those who will still watch the artist’s other performances here. Here is the taste of wanting more and waiting for the return.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
