Kelela at The Fonda

Kelela has something new to say. Or rather, new ways to express what people really think, but too often, dare not say. 

On February 10th, Kelela released her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Raven, delivering 15 new songs and imploring listeners to go even deeper into themselves. Vulnerability and radical surrender are the tentpoles of love, romantic or otherwise. Kelela knows this well and is ready to further articulate this to her eager audience.

The process of crafting RAVEN has been deeply intentional, both sonically and in terms of the meaning being produced. On the album, the singer oscillates between the improvisational aspect of jazz, the pulsing tempo of dance/electronic music, and the openness of traditional R&B. Many of the album’s tracks bleed into each other, creating a continuous mix that flows through the different terrains of dance music. From the hazy atmospherics of “Fooley” to the playful breakbeats of “Happy Ending,” Kelela is adept and commanding in each environment.

At the end of 2022, Kelela announced she would be heading out on tour with a handful of intimate shows, which kicked off in March in Atlanta GA.

On April 1st Kelela’s RAVE:N Tour stopped in Los Angeles at the historic Fonda Theatre where the fans were lined up around the block and anticipating the sold-out show. Kelela was absolutely stunning on stage in her long, sleek, black dress. She had such a commanding, confident presence on stage where she consistently made eye contact and sang back to the fans, sharing an undeniable love, energy, and connection. From beginning to end the fans danced and sang the night away. It was such an honor to get experience and capture a few images from that night. 

Kelela has a few more stops left on this tour, London, Paris, and Berlin so if you have a chance, don’t miss out on this show.

And if you haven’t done so yet, be sure to stream Kelela’s latest album, Raven, here.