“I’ve realized that as a sagittarius, I’m the best me when I’m delusional. If I’m delulu, nothing can hurt me.”
Tkay Maidza, 3/8/24
Tkay Maidza’s music embodies the sensation of being on top of the world, and that’s precisely where she found herself on the closing night of her Sweet Justice North America tour at El Rey Theatre last week. A sensational performer with the perfect blend of unfaltering swagger and irresistible charm, the Zimbabwean-Australian singer-rapper brought nothing less than the peak of her game to culminate her tour with an electrifying victory lap.
Following a brilliant on-air interview with Maidza in February where we delved deeper into her sophomore album Sweet Justice, I had highly anticipated seeing it blossom in a live setting. As Maidza gushed to us, “It’s really cool to see the evolution and have this moment at the El Rey because the last time I went there, I saw Charli XCX. So it’s so weird that you step into it and you’re like, “Wait, now it’s actually my show.””
Opening for Maidza was supernova singer-songwriter Tayla Parx, a Texan multi-genre artist whose face might be new to most audiences but whose fingerprints are all over the music industry’s biggest hits. Co-writer of Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” Panic! at the Disco’s “High Hopes,” and Khalid and Normani’s “Love Lies,” Parx was the first female songwriter to achieve three simultaneous Top 10 songs in the Billboard Hot 100. Though Parx has mainly flexed her artistic prowess behind the scenes, she is now stepping into her own spotlight, focusing on cultivating her solo career.
Taking the stage at El Rey, Parx captivated the audience with her larger-than-life presence and formidable live vocals, proving herself as a force to be reckoned with beyond her songwriting talents. Among a handful of instant anthems like “I Want You” and “Celebration Weight,” Parx’s performance of “Flowers” shone as the highlight of the set, showcasing her exuberant energy in sparkling technicolor, culminating in a moment where she showered the audience with flowers.
With what was the most impressive opening act I’ve seen to date, I was even more excited to see what Maidza had in store to follow up such a high standard. As she emerged onstage clad in futuristic black and silver, her petite frame elevated by six-inch chunky boots, I couldn’t help but admire her choice of footwear, knowing firsthand the challenge of moving in such shoes as a chunky-shoe lover myself.
As gritty synths began to blare, Maidza hollered, “Who’s ready for the national anthem?,” met with fervent screams that the real national anthem would be hard-pressed to muster up. The anthem in question, “Grasshopper,” is a fan-favorite off Maidza’s EP, Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2. It’s a punchy trap song that energetically encapsulates Maidza’s aspirational spirit, a recurring theme throughout her discography: “Hop out the furnace / Took years and it was worth it / Yeah I’ve been learnin’ / Comin’ out top of the vermin.” After warmly greeting the crowd, Maidza exclaimed, “Who’s ready for the second national anthem?” as the infectious beats of her house-hit song, “24k,” filled the air. Breezy, groovy, and irresistibly danceable, “24k” showcased Maidza’s versatility, spotlighting her rap chops and melismatic, airy vocals, while Maidza’s “whoop that ass” ad-libs were an amusing live addition.
Welcomed with enamored reception, star rapper-producer Duckwrth made a guest appearance during Maidza’s performance of his feature track, “Gone to the West.” It’s a laid-back favorite off Sweet Justice that samples Skee-Lo’s timeless hit “I Wish,” reimagining it with more dimension, adding more glossy sheen, airiness, and fatter bass. As a fan of Duckwrth’s “Crush,” I was particularly thrilled to witness two of my favorite artists sharing the stage.
The highlight of the concert, as Maidza pre-empted in our interview, was by far her performance of “Free Throws” and “Silent Assassin,” delivered back-to-back as they appear on Sweet Justice. Serving as the apex of the album, it was only fitting that they also served as the climax of the live show. Upon first hearing these tracks last year, it was clear that these songs were designed to excel in a live setting. Fueled by room-shaking bass and Maidza’s assertive yet nonchalant delivery, “Free Throws” embodies the self-assuredness that defines Sweet Justice. One unforgettable moment arose during the line, “All the hoes mad like, ‘What was the reason, bitch?’” The audience’s thunderous recitation of these lyrics caught Maidza so off guard that she momentarily lost composure, bursting into laughter, causing her to miss a couple of lines in sheer astonishment.
These moments epitomize Maidza’s allure as a live performer, an experience that transcends merely streaming her music. She stands tall among singer-rappers, continuously refining her craft with meticulous care, and her artistic persona is undoubtedly intimidating. Yet, in her performances, her playful, down-to-earth nature inevitably shines through, imbuing her artistry with depth and relatability. It’s a reminder that while assertiveness, drive, and focus are essential in chasing your dreams, there’s always room for laughter, warmth, and empathy along the way.
