Kesha Lands On Top

On the night of Kesha’s first Madison Square Garden show, the energy in the arena was electric. The concert started with a memo from Kesha about how tonight will be “a communion unlike any before.” Before the crowd could internalize what that meant, Kesha emerged from the stage like a phoenix from the ashes. 

The concert was one of freedom, love, and rebirth. Kesha has a catalog full of undeniable classics, bangers, and gems. This concert was Kesha’s victory lap. Similar to the plight of Taylor Swift, Kesha had her voice stolen from her. After years of litigation between her former producer and label owner, Dr. Luke, Kesha is finally free to sing the songs that belong to her, but due to the stipulations of contracts and legalities, she’s forced to rearrange certain songs on tour so they don’t sound like the originals. In three years, when she can sing the original versions, her fans have a duty to go even harder for them on the next tour. In the same way people celebrate Taylor Swift, we need to celebrate Kesha. 

I never thought about how many Black people love Kesha until her concert. We were a small but mighty group dispersed in the crowd, but to me, it makes sense that Black people love Kesha–and more of us should. She makes party music, and Black people love to party! She stood up to a terrible white man, which Black people also love. She can also actually sing, which is arguably the most important part! For many parts of that concert, I wanted to throw my shoe at her for how amazing she sounded. Black people praise Hayley Williams for her singing ability, and I am here to make a request that we start praising Kesha in the same way because mama can blow.

Kesha’s presence is important for all women in the music industry. The fact that she didn’t let a man intimidate her, and stood up for what was right, helps set a precedent for any other woman who needs to do the same. Her tour is proof that people will show up for her and support her. For Kesha to sell out Madison Square Garden for an album that came out less than a month ago is beyond impressive. It shows how strong her fan base is and how the music speaks for itself. Anyone who doubted Kesha is surely looking real dumb right now. 

Kesha celebrating freedom and womanhood in a society where those two things are actively being threatened is so important. Kesha is proof that we can overcome. After being silenced for so long and boldly releasing her underrated album Gag Order, it was unclear where Kesha would go next. With “.” (Pronounced Period), it's clear that now that Kesha is free, all she wants to do is celebrate. With everything she’s been through, she’s earned it.

Curious about what else Kiara is into? Get real-time updates at shelf.im/kiarascourt