Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole, Masego & More Highlight Day One Of H.E.R.'s Lights On Festival Comeback

Photo Credit: Kevin Allen

After what seemed like the two longest intermissions of the night, Erykah Badu’s backing band announced their presence dressed in artsy bee-keeper get-ups, as the woman of the hour made her way to the stage in a tall black hat and puffy silver outfit that only she could pull off.

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With all of the expected band and crowd interaction you can imagine from a veteran of her stature, Badu delivered the magic that she has become renowned for. Another act who used the MPC randomly to almost no effect, at least you could hear the drum machine hits every time she touched the pads. What was effective was her use of a futuristic transitional sound between songs, complete with laser beams, that left the crowd guessing which gem she would choose from her arsenal next – and some interesting selections were made indeed.

Photo Credit: Kevin Allen

It wasn’t until “Love Of My Life” that Badu allowed the standard versions of her songs to rock, not changing arrangements as much as her first offerings of “On & On,” “Hello” and “...& On.” But it was in choices such as her performances of Outkast songs “Liberation” and “Humble Mumble” – both of which she is featured on – that you could guess she doesn’t get to do often.

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Erykah led the crowd through a master class in vocal control, seconded only by the aforementioned Fousheé, holding notes and hitting high ones like she was trying to outdo herself, only to graciously share the stage for individualized vocal solos from each and every member of her backing band.

Badu's set was a soul-filled journey of charisma, sage advice and retro-futurism. The night resounded with a feeling of fullness and reassurance that R&B indeed is alive and well. And now with the pandemic fears in flux, people are ready again to show up to meet it with open arms.

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