Concert Review: Ari Lennox Live In NZ

Two nights ago the Powerstation was bustling with half of the city eagerly awaiting to be blessed by angels. On a Tuesday night, you’d think people would prefer to be at home but no, the Aucklanders with superb music taste were all making their way to see the First Lady of Dreamville, Ari Lennox. As this was her first solo show here in New Zealand, having been an opening act for J. Cole alongside her Dreamville peers in 2017, Ari was in for a real treat. A treat she apparently did not expect. While the crowd was screaming her name and roaring for her attention, Ari Lennox said “I did not know y’all were this turnt”, to which the crowd collectively bellowed in response.

Ari Lennox was set to perform at 9:30pm but fortunately for us, she had Tanerélle set to open the show an hour beforehand. Truly the queen of mellow soul music and for people who have never heard of her, it’s apparent when she starts to sing. Tanerélle graced the stage in a sparkly silver tassel dress with heels and earrings to match. It was like she was covered in pure diamonds and her dress wasn’t the only thing glittering, her skin, her hair, everything about Tanerélle was simply radiant. I would say for the majority of the crowd there, just laying eyes on this woman was worth every penny spent to be there. However, when she started singing… I mean, wow. Under the changing white, red, blue and purple lights, Tanerélle had the crowd enchanted by not just her beauty but her talent. With a voice as smooth as honey over a slow, soulful beat, Tanerélle oozes sexuality and femininity as she sings to the crowd with a warm look of intensity, occasionally moving around to dance or even just slowly moving her body on the spot. I know she converted many people in the crowd to a fan of hers that night.

The crowd patiently waits for Ari Lennox to come on as Tanerélle left them quite excited. All of a sudden the music got louder and Ari Lennox was there, on the stage, straight away. Everyone in the venue roared in utter exhilaration as their WCW was right there in front of their eyes. Wearing a white two-piece that clings to her skin and tassel earrings that she later announces were from Target, Ari Lennox was serving BODY on a Tuesday night. This show seriously highlights black excellence and femininity and has been something much needed in our country. The live band in the background play as Ari belts out strong vocals, enough to make the venue vibrate. She definitely has the type of voice that could make the whole room feel at peace but at the same time get people really excited. It is super hard to not dance or groove while Ari Lennox’s music is playing. As Ari sings from one end of the stage to the other, she is unbreakingly confident and has quite a serious face as she sings. Occasionally when people were crazily screaming her name, she would break into a beautiful smile or even when she saw people singing word for word, she went in front of them, smiled and sang in their direction.

Ari Lennox has amazing crowd interaction, always talking between songs and even started chatting to people in the front row as if it was just them in a small room, saying she loved them too, that she loved a fan’s hair and just said thank you to all the compliments people were yelling at her. Definitely wholesome interactions I’m sure the people she talked to had only ever daydreamed about. Ari takes a few breaks to drink from a water bottle in front of her and every time she did, people cheered her on. I was convinced that she could slap a b*tch on stage and people would still cheer like crazy. Then again, I say the same about other artists that come here as well but it’s funny seeing artists doing the most normal things and the crowd just cheering them on like they won a gold medal. Ari Lennox says to everyone that this might be the most lit crowd she’s ever performed in and normally I’d write that off as something she’s said in most cities but the crowd well and truly were eating her up like they had been starving for days. Truly a loving crowd. The turquoise, blue, red and purple lights looked beautiful bouncing off of her silhouette, especially when she took time to slow dance, she was quite enchanting to watch.

Ari Lennox performed with a powerful ferocity in her voice and is talented beyond measure. It was a pleasure seeing her debut show here in New Zealand and she will definitely be back for her Aotearoa fans.

Reviewed: Breanna Tugaga-Rogers
Photos: 10Daniel16

About The Writer:

Breanna is a 21 year old uni student who was born in Australia and raised in South Auckland. Half New Zealand European and half Samoan, Breanna is undergoing a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in Communications and Sociology. Currently residing in Auckland, Breanna loves hip hop, rap, RnB music and enjoys watching TV shows, movies, travelling, going to concerts and keeping in touch with the latest of pop culture. Breanna especially enjoys writing and using it as an outlet to talk her sh*t. Breanna loves to always integrate her worldview, her background and her experiences into her writing and values your feedback.

About The Photographer:

10Daniel16 is a man of many talents. A photographer, videographer, editor and director, Daniel is a pillar in the local creative scene working with names like SWIDT, Melodownz and has shot some of the best gigs in Auckland city. 10Daniel16 has shot concerts of iconic musicians like 50 Cent, Jhene Aiko, Bas, Denzel Curry, Lil Pump and so much more. Popularly known for his music videos, 10Daniel16 is continuously expanding his skill set and since breaking through the international scene, he is excited for what 2020 has in store for him.