Photo by Rianne Akindele
It's 2:00pm on a pre-fall high of 78 degrees with clear skies Thursday afternoon in NYC. The perfect time for a nap, a stroll in the park, of in my case, time for a quick outfit change right before Apple Maps-ing directions to Public Records for the Keshi Pre-Album Release Pop-Up Show for his upcoming body of work, Requiem. Only the first 250 people in line would be able to get in, and as a casual Keshi fan, mostly ignited through our sharing of the same hometown, flamed by obvious talent and honest storytelling, I made sure to book it across the numerous blocks from the Hoyt-Schermerhorn train stop to the Brooklyn venue.
As I park myself in line around 2:45pm, just an hour and fifteen minutes until the advertised 4pm start time, I squinted my eyes at the line ahead of me and guesstimated myself to being close to the 250 cutoff. Others arrived behind me, carrying take out food and backpacks, holding spots in line for friends, and coming straight from work or other plans determined to the catch the show. The line grows, and a mischievous passerby walks down the line announcing, "Sorry guys. The venue made a mistake. They said it's 18+, but it's really 21+, so if you're not 18, you shold get out of line now. No point in waiting." An obvious attempt to persuade a few of those perhaps too gullible for New York to forfeit their places in line to allow space for those who might come later.
As 4:00pm approaches, backs start to ache from waiting in line, bees chase those chowing down on their togo plates, and friends catch up. Exchanging stories of travel, career advice (the job market is tough these days), relationships (consensus gathered on having two bedrooms even once married and living with a partner), and K-pop biases ("It's like what's his face from Twilight. You don't pick a bis, you just imprint").
In line hoping to be one of the 250. Photo by Rianne Akindele
Finally, the line begins to move as conversation around me shifts to what everyone loves most about Keshi's music. "When he hits those high notes, I feel so transcendent. Like I'm floating in the sky. straight to Heaven". The entrance comes to view and the back pain starts to feel worth it again as the wait will be over shortly. We file in and I approach the security guard who is checking bags and IDs, I spot his people counter. "What number am I?", I ask curious as to the strength on my estimated of 150. He looks down to the device held, back up to me, "122".
It's about 4:45pm when I walk into the red hued room, bar to the right, disco ball twinkling above, and stage center and adorned with a mic, guitar, drums, and guitar stands. I head straight to the bar, for a glass or two of water. You don't realize how thirsty standing for two hours in anticipation can make you. Not wanting to perch too long at the watering hole, I make my way into the small crowd to find a spot giving my 5' 4" self the perfect window of sight.
"You think he'll go on at 5?", the person next to me asks? "I think so. That would make sense right? Since it was supposed to start at 4pm and it'll end at 6pm?, I respond.
It's not until about 5:27pm Keshi takes the stage. A baton pass between the house music playing his unreleased track "Amen" and he, clad in his usual rockstar black attire and a donning a low ponytail, and band falling into step with the smooth sounds of one of latest singles, "Say". He's met with cheers, barks, and chants to "Take it off", despite his singular buttoned, button down shirt already giving much to the viewer. "No, don't stop. I like it when you guys chant that", he says in response to the requests with a grin. "I spoil you guys so much. I just played two new songs and you still want me to strip!", he jokes with the fans comfortably.
Photos by Rianne Akindele
It's been a minute since Keshi has performed live after twice touring his last album and he's been laying low on social media as well. "I know, I've missed you guys too. It feels so good to be back on stage here. And you know another thing. People gave me a bit of shit for touring the same album twice, but that was on purpose. I wanted to make sure everyone who wanted to hear those songs live could before I began working on the next project.", the singer addresses later in between songs on stage. Though he's taken some time away from the limelight as he's "been dealing with some things... like struggling with being in public and in big crowds", it's clear he's a natural on stage - comforted by his friends, family, and warm support from his listeners.
As he takes us through two more songs, "Soft Spot" which to me sounds like if The 1975 and Michael Jackson could have a collaborated (a good thing) and my favorite of the night,"Texas", a sweet reflection and ode to growing up in Texas before the shiny veil of life youth brings wears off and reality set in while also understanding that sometimes we have to leave home to chase our dreams. Though we may have to leave home, it will still always be there for us to return to when we're ready after making it through our growing pains. "I don't think I'll ever play in a venue this small again, so this has been very special for me", he closes almost mirroring the message of the last song played. It makes sense he'd say this as the next time he returns to the city on tour, he'll be playing its largest venue - Madison Square Garden.
Fans waiting outside of the venue to meet Keshi post-show.
Photo by Rianne Akindele
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