Concert Review: Queen Naija Is Adored And Adorned At Irving Plaza

When a crowd is singing your words, like a spell, to summon you, then you have reached new heights. Waiting for Queen Naija, a packed crowd of my fellow young women of color had me moved. Phones were up and recording, at Irving Plaza, as we gathered to hear odes to love, and, in some ways, cohort to the times romance filled us up with dreams or left us dry with nightmares. 

Admittedly, Queen Naija’s show was brief, but could have gone an eternity and felt short. It was one of the few times, at a concert, where I strangely felt the artist like an accompanying luxury rather than the leader. Yet, I say that as a compliment because that crowd was so into Queen Naija her presence was more of an entity. Even though she was there in flesh and blood, the audience went beyond her to absorb every feeling and frequency that built her sound. She was giving everyone 90’s classic swag, even styled like Aaliyah, making people believe in love after her man, Clarence, came out to hand her a water bottle. This social media star is smoothly transitions into a music one because people feel she understands love, and thus she sings to it. 
MEDICINE – QUEEN NAIJA (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

From a mashup of classic hits by Tupac, Mary J. Blige, and Rihanna, Queen Naija stapled herself with the status of legend. She was making it clear she wants to be R&B royalty, and her sound is arising at a perfect time. From H.E.R. to Ella Mai, women of color are CLAMORING! for some fierce representation is sound, style, and spirit. “Medicine,” “Karma,” and “Exclusive Girl” sang to those that love with all their hearts, and how endangering/ enlightening that can be. Blessed with a voice that takes the honey from love’s hive, Queen Naija was perfect to radiate love’s capacity to remold your innocence, and make you wiser in how you keep hope for “the one.” For More Information On Queen Naija Click Here 
Queen Naija – Karma (From Capitol Records Studio A)