Beyonce Proves She's the Greatest Performer Alive with Her Iconic Coachella Performance
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew White
Photo Credit: Raven B. Varona
When you look up the word Phenomenal, Beyonce Giselle Knowles is the definition.
On Saturday, April 14, Beyonce, the first black woman to headline Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, also dubbed as Beychella, flawlessly took the festival stage by storm. The Houston, Texas native whose career has expanded for over 20 years, arguably gave the best performance of her music career. For two hours straight, Beyonce delivered the most legendary, iconic set that Coachella has ever seen. And if we're being honest, will probably never see again.
From the remarkable live band, to the exceptional dancers, astounding song transitions and remixes, and the queen Bey herself; Beyonce's Coachella performance was a brilliant black and proud, HBCU themed drumline experience. The concert was filled with elements of black greek culture, drum majorettes, a lit marching band, stellar, hard-hitting choreography, amazing vocals, and more. And not to mention, the entire crew was black, black, and BLACK! We also can't forget the nostalgic Destiny's Child reunion we awaited for years, her sister, sister "Get Me Bodied" moment with Solange, and surprise visit from Jay-Z.
The artist's set contained five costume changes and 26 hit records from each era of her extensive musical catalogue. She performed the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and in between song and dance numbers, Beyonce made political statements with the help of sound-bites from prominent black figures such as Malcom X and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She also paid homage to black musical greats, Nina Simone and Fela Kuti.
One of my favorite things about Beychella were the mind-blowing song transitions like the blending of "Crazy in Love" and Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up," "Sorry" into "Me, Myself, and I," and the dance sequence to "Diva" mixed in with Hov's "Dirt off Your Shoulder," and O.T. Genesis' "Everybody Mad."
Beyonce's Coachella performance was a tribute to the black diaspora. She effortlessly celebrated my blackness and yours, and I'm so glad that queen Bey is back. She is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, performers of all time. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft is truly admirable, and is a trait we should all strive to achieve. Relive the greatness of this weekend's concert down below. What was your favorite moment from Beychella?
