Jhené Aiko w/ Coi Leray, Tink, Kiana Ledé, Umi
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
08.12.24
On August 12th, an unseasonably chill Tuesday night, Climate Pledge Arena became a sanctuary of soulful melodies, endless charisma, and show stopping energy as Jhené Aiko brought her highly anticipated Magic Hour tour on a stop in the Pacific Northwest. Playing to a capacity crowd, and bolstered by an impressive lineup featuring Coi Leray, Tink, Kiana Ledé, and Seattle’s own Umi, this was a truly unforgettable night.
The evening kicked off with Umi inviting the audience to join her in a minute of breath meditation, firmly rooting attendees in the present. Soon after, her smooth vocals and introspective lyrics set a mellow yet invigorating tone for the night. Her set, like her blossoming discography, was a blend of ethereal ballads and dynamic rhythms. It’s rare that the opener of a bill five acts deep pulls a sold out crowd from the get go, and that speaks to Umi’s continued rise to prominence in her hometown and beyond. Tracks like “Remember Me” showcased her unique ability to merge personal storytelling with universal themes, setting the stage for a memorable evening.
Kiana Ledé followed wasted no time in keeping the energy rolling. Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which is unsurprising given her extensive acting background, the 27 year-old Ledé commanded the crowd with a series of undeniable hits like “Wicked Games” and “Vibes.” Her vocal runs and holds are reminiscent of some of the greatest soul singers of the last 50 years, and it’s certainly only a matter of time until she’s headlining arena tours.
Tink’s set brought a raw intensity to the stage, gradually shifting the dynamic from R&B to a fusion of rap. Her dynamic performance, flanked by a group of highly skilled dancers, was a showcase of eclectic showmanship. With tracks like “Fake Love” and “Million,” Tink demonstrated her lyrical prowess and emotional depth, not to mention her ability to write hit after hit.
Anyone familiar with Coi Leray knows she’s got an unending supply of charisma and confidence, and that translated perfectly to the stage. Her set was a whirlwind of catchy hooks and energetic beats, including fan favorites like “TWINNEM” and “No More Parties.” Leray’s infectious enthusiasm and vibrant performance style had the audience dancing and singing along, with only a handful of folks in the audience staying in their seats.
As the lights dimmed and Jhené Aiko emerged from what can only be described as an ethereal lotus on center stage, the arena erupted. What followed was an hour plus masterclass in emotional delivery and atmospheric production, perfectly aligned with the themes of her Magic Hour album. The stage direction was nothing short of astonishing, the three panel backdrop ranging from solar eclipses to black holes and fiery red dreamscapes. Hits like “While We’re Young” and “The Worst” were delivered with a blend of grace and intensity, showcasing Aiko’s ability to create an intimate connection with her audience.
One highlight of many in Aiko’s set was her transformation of a tiny corner of the stage into a makeshift jazz club, stripping down her production and showcasing her vocal chops in a breath of low key energy before ending the night with a crescendo with monster hits like “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)” and “Magic Hour.”
The eclectic lineup of the tour showcased some of the most popular R&B singers and rappers at the top of their games. A Magic Hour, indeed.
Photos and Review by Sattva Photo
