Joy Oladokun / New York City, NY

Last Thursday night, Joy Oladokun hit the Irving Plaza Stage in New York City!

Eager individuals, couples, and fans of many ages filed into the venue waiting for Joy to emerge. Joy opted to not have an opener for The Blackbird Tour, hitting the stage solo with just her microphone and acoustic guitar. Joy's opening acoustic set served as an intimate introduction. Joy shared between her songs Purple Haze and STRONG ONES, the misfortune of her previous touring experience. She shared that she felt that she was being taken advantage of on her last tour. Fortunately, she admitted that The Blackbird Tour has been the happiest she's ever been. Joy is often candid and open through her lyricism, so it came as no surprise she would be equally as open in front of the audience. Her honesty may be one of the reasons fans across many demographics relate to her. She confessed to the audience that it's easy for her to feel alone and unloved but touring and seeing people show up for her aids in changing that mindset. 

The highlight of the acoustic set was Joy's mashup of the famous Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen with her song QUESTIONS, CHAOS & FAITH. She utilized a loop pedal to create a warm vocal arrangement of the two songs. The main set was just as special as the acoustic. Joy performed songs from Proof Of Life, in defense of my own happiness, and OBSERVATIONS FROM A CROWDED ROOM. A perk of opening for yourself is that fans get to hear more of their favorite songs live. Joy Oladokun is nothing short of honest and vulnerable. Her songs take you through many unanswered questions most have about life, loss and love. It is a relief to find an artist as empathetic and vulnerable as Joy Oladokun. She's a talent worth seeing!

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Gallery and Show Review by Anjelica James