Powerful Jhené Aiko concert in Kansas City pays tribute to women: ‘Just beautiful’
“It’s lady’s night tonight,” Quintin Randle said as Jhené Aiko kicked off her Kansas City show celebrating women’s strength in all its forms.
“Jhené Aiko has created this space dominated by women who are empowered by her music,” Randle said Monday.
Randle, better known around town as DJ Q, was in attendance with his girlfriend and was in the minority of male concert-goers at the third-to-last stop in Aiko’s Magic Hour Tour, which kicked off June 19.
In attendance were women of all ages and races, each with their own style and their own story. They all unite to see a woman sing words many still struggle to say.
Born Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, the singer and songwriter has captured the hearts and emotions of listeners beginning with her 2011 mixtape “Sailing Soul(s).” Since then, 36-year-old Los Angeles native has continued to create R&B music geared toward female empowerment through emotional freedom through her ethereal yet soulful songs.
‘It’s all love’
As fans gathered at the T-Mobile Center as early as 4 p.m. with temperatures in the ‘80s, attendees were not deterred.
Gianna Tamburrino, 20, traveled from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to come to the concert, dressed in a pink floral dress, and said waiting in the heat was worth it to see Aiko perform.
“I have been listening to her since I was 13,” said Tamburrino. “I love everything about her, the way she sings, and she just has a vibe to her.”
This marks Aiko’s third tour as a headliner, and with three studio albums under her belt, the artist has a wide arsenal of favorites fans were eager to hear.
Doors opened for the almost sold-out crowd at 6 p.m., and fans surrounded merchandise stands around the location picking up souvenirs for the special occasion, including their own tote bags, a long sweaters, hoodies, T-shirts, baseball caps and the popular rice hat for $65.
Opening acts UMI, Kiana Lede, Tink and Coi Leray began at 7 p.m. The all-female lineup played a variation of sounds ranging from somber and introspective to up-tempo dance music. No matter the type of music, the message of the evening was clear: This night was for the ladies.
“I love the vibe in here tonight,” said Ta’Keshia Johnson, a Kansas City native. “There are so many beautiful girls out tonight, and it’s all love. I think Jhené makes music that brings women together to say maybe I’m not crazy or I am not the only one.”
Johnson says she discovered Aiko’s music during a tough time in her life and she found strength in songs like “W.A.Y.S. (Why Aren’t You Smiling)“ that gave her hope. Aiko’s music is laced with messages of overcoming trauma and battling mental health that has resonated with a wide fan base.
‘It was just beautiful’
Aiko took to the stage at 10 p.m., emerging from a life-sized flower.
The stage setup gave a futuristic and spiritual atmosphere to the performance with a screen in back playing images of space, stars and black holes accompanying her songs. Lining the stage were large artificial crystals with colored lights illuminating the area. She was accompanied on stage by a harp and bass guitar player.
Aiko played over 30 songs including hits like “The Worst,” the above-mentioned “W.A.Y.S.,” and “P*$$y Fairy,” where she brought out surprise guest, Mila J.
As the concert ended, Aryauna Williams found herself feeling emotionally moved by the performance.
“It was just beautiful,” said Williams. “Her music just makes you feel at peace and makes you feel like everything will be alright. I know she did a lot of work with sound therapy in her last album, and you can definitely feel it in the music.”
