Tinashe, the multi-talented artist known for her smooth blend of R&B, pop and dance, took the Dragonfly stage on Oct. 5. The concert was a testament to her evolution as an artist, from mainstream success with RCA Records to her bold decision to go independent and redefine her sound. Supported by student DJ Kari and pop provocateur Slayyyter, Tinashe’s performance was nothing short of a spectacle that highlighted her artistic freedom, versatility and mastery of both her vocals and stage presence.
Tinashe’s career took off in 2014 with the release of her debut studio album “Aquarius,” which featured the chart-topping hit “2 On,” a song that peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and dominated US rhythmic radio, becoming the second-most-played song in 2014. “Aquarius” marked her arrival on the scene as an R&B sensation, blending sultry vocals with infectious beats, but after releasing two more albums under RCA Records, Tinashe decided to go independent in 2019, taking full control of her artistry.
Before the crowd could dance to the pop-R&B of Tinashe, the show started with the high-energy techno beats of DJ Kari, who set the tone for the event. As the crowd filtered into the DAC, popular crowd-pleasers like Lady Gaga’s “Rain on Me” and Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” got the audience primed for the performances ahead. Kari’s loud, pulsating beats set the stage for the night’s electrifying vibe.
Slayyyter, known for her bold, hyper-pop aesthetic, stormed onto the stage with a string of high-energy tracks, having the audience hooked from the very first beat. She opened with “Out of Time,” captivating the audience with a mix of full belts and falsettos, reminiscent of pop icons like Britney Spears and Sabrina Carpenter. With songs like “Miss Belladonna” and “I Love Hollywood!,” Slayyyter brought dramatic flair, adding electronic beats and seductive lyrics to the set with seamless transitions between songs.
Despite a few wardrobe malfunctions, Slayyyter handled herself with playful confidence, leaning into the chaos with a punk rock edge that had the crowd buzzing. She ended her set with “DADDY AF,” leaving the audience pumped for the main act. From the moment she appeared under the flashing lights till the end of her set, her presence was commanding and undeniable and the crowd responded enthusiastically. Being a relatively new artist to many Drexel students, Slayyyter inevitably added herself to everyone’s daily playlist.
Following Slayyyter, Tinashe’s entrance was nothing short of cinematic, with a cool introduction lighting up the screen before she burst into her song “X.” She followed it up with fan-favorites like “Throw a Fit” and “Bouncin,” her fluid dance moves and strong falsettos immediately captivating the crowd.
As the night progressed, Tinashe moved seamlessly between R&B slow jams and high-energy dance tracks, showcasing her versatility. Her setlist was the perfect balance of tempos and genres: songs like “Worst in Me” slowed the pace down, allowing the audience to savor the emotional depth of her music, while TikTok hit “Nasty” brought the tempo back up as students sang along in unison. Throughout her performance the crowd jumped in unison, both captivated by her vulnerable lyricism while also impressed by her ability to effortlessly sing and dance together. Her presence was magnetic throughout as she confidently moved across the entire stage, making sure that every corner of the DAC felt the emotion. Her dancers mirrored her steps, perfectly in sync and keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged.
Later, she took a moment to interact with the crowd, sharing optimistic vibes during “Sunburn,” a perfect nod to her commitment to staying true to herself and her journey as an independent artist. Closing out the night, Tinashe hit the crowd with her biggest hits, “All My Friends,” “Needs” and fan favorite “2 On.”
Tinashe’s performance at Dragonfly 2024 was more than just a concert – it was a celebration of her independence and her unwavering commitment to her craft. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a modern R&B artist, it is clear that her decision to go independent has only amplified her talent and creativity. She has released two albums, “BB/ANG3L” and “Quantum Baby” and teased her last of the three-part series coming soon. Tinashe has proven that she is here to stay, and if this concert was any indication, her best is yet to come.