“(Speaking with a Nigerian accent) The other thing he told me (Jidenna’s Father) when I was in Nigeria, there are two types of people in this world: those that make things happen and those that don’t want anything to happen.
Then there are those that make damn sure things happen, and those that make damn sure nothing happens. He said son, make damn sure you are #1, the one that makes damn sure things happen.” Jidenna spoke those words to an intimate crowd of about 150 people last Thursday, August 18th, at his Vevo– sponsored live concert in Brooklyn New York.
The night started off with guests mingling and good vibes. Vevo logos decorated the stage at the Brooklyn warehouse. Vibrant greenery decorated the outside area with a crowd dressed in Off-white and Rick Owens, bouncing as Lil Yatchy played from the speaker, before the show got stared.
The show started off with a bang, the Brooklyn warehouse changed from dimly lit black lighting to being lit up red and an ox constructed out of fabric dancing its way on to stage. Jidenna had to be one of my favorite live-acts. Almost all of his songs consisted of powerful messages of black unity and strength. He performed hits like Chief don’t run, Long live the chief, Little bit more, and Classic Man. As soon as he hit the stage, his energy took over the room and the crowd went crazy. Not only did he fill up the stage with theatrical dancing he even jumped into the crowd and danced with guests, got back on stage only to hop back out and crowd surf! Throughout the whole performance he made sure to keep the audience on-ten and enjoying themselves – from the visuals to the audio there was never a dull moment, proving that he is definitely a for-the-fans type of artist.
Two of my favorite songs of his included “Chief don’t run” and “Long live the Chief.” His performance of the two really solidified him as one of my favorite artists, simply for the passion that was behind them. He perfectly evoked the feeling of frustration turned into power as well as the struggle many black people in America face on a daily basis. Jidenna’s showcase Thursday night was definitely an incredible experience that not only left me dancing in the Uber ride back, but wanting to protest in the streets as well.
