One of last year’s surprises was Kelela’s startling mixtape Cut 4 Me, a fine collection of experimental R&B featuring a who’s who of producers that shined the light on a bright and exciting young voice. Glowing in a darkened arena inside the LA Coliseum during a mid-afternoon scorcher, the MacArthur park resident caught the attention of a modest amount of attendees who were instantly drawn by her dark, yet inviting dance music. Kelela’s voice shimmered and soared above a series of perturbing, icy synths, demonstrating a great deal of overpowering versatility even when the samples she plays against are so commanding. She also gave one of the most genuine call-outs in the festival’s two days, thanking her fans for supporting her mixtape with an affable glee after mentioning how she was working at a call center in the Valley just a year ago. Kelela may be a fiery, even threateningly seductive on stage, but her warm radiance and humility outside of it makes it easy to root her. She enter a new stage in her rising career, proving that her journey to megastardom is just getting started. – Juan Rodríguez
Photo Credit: Carl Pocket for FYF Fest