On Wednesday (June 26), I enjoyed attending an unforgettable evening of live R&B expression at BAR LIS on the Rooftop of Thompson Hollywood. The event, “Columbia By The Way Wednesday” hosted by Bongo ByTheWay and Columbia A&R VP Sterling Simms, was a mesmerizing talent showcase, with performances that kept the crowd captivated from 8 pm until late into the night.
As the sun set and the city lights began to twinkle, the crowd gathered, creating an electric atmosphere. DJ Casanova (@casanovaiam) set the tone for the night with an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, and contemporary hits that had everyone swaying to the rhythm. With his smooth transitions and upbeat selections, his ability to seamlessly blend these three genres created an inviting atmosphere keeping the energy high and the vibe just right.
The first performance of the night featured an electrifying performance by the talented Aqyila. As she took the stage with confidence, charisma, and charm, her set began with her newly released track “Unbothered,” a song that showcased her vocal range and emotional depth. She followed up with her track”Blue,” which evoked a sense of vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners from all walks of life. Miss Aqyila’s opening set ultimately left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and left the crowd wanting more.
Next up was Qing Madi, a 17-year-old songstress hailing from Lagos, Nigeria. Her fresh personality made room for the crowd to receive her as she requested participation in her rendition of Rihanna’s “Unfaithful.” Her heartfelt delivery exposed a deep connection to the song, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Madi also performed her track “Vision” from her self-titled debut album “Qing Madi” which features an alternate remix with Chloe Bailey. A personal highlight from her set was when she broke out with the in-house live band, The Steppas, to create the cutest freestyles of two lovely ladies named “Candy” and “Ashley.”
Singer and natural activist, Iniko, was the third performer of the night, and she DID NOT disappoint. Iniko’s unique style and dynamic performance highlighted her range, versatility, and profound musicality. After delivering a breathtaking opening song, she blessed the room with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” a tribute that was both moving and impactful. As her set continued, she performed “Jericho,” a standout track filled with passion, that highlighted her musical and feminine prowess.
Q took the stage next, and his smooth vocals and engaging performance kept the energy high and the audience captivated. This gentleman delivered a set that was both dynamic and intimate. Starting with “Rooftop,” he instantly connected with the audience, sharing stories through his lyrics. He continued with “Today,” “Tell Me Where Your Heart Is,” and “Don’t Forget the Times,” each song building on the last. Q’s dynamic performance and infectious energy had the audience swaying and singing along to every word. Truly unforgettable!
R&B heartthrob Lekan closed out the scheduled performances with a selection of tracks from his EP “So You Know”. His blend of contemporary R&B with traditional influences was a refreshing take on the genre, showcasing his exceptional songwriting and vocal skills. Lekan opened his set with the track “On Me” produced by engineer BongoBytheWay. This track features a soulful and funked-out sample of Erykah Badu’s “Didn’t Cha Know”…the type of song you play on one of those late-night rides. He also performed one of his most notable tracks, “Familiar” as well as his self-titled track, “So You Know” which was inspired by his now 12-year-old nephew Fawaz who celebrated his birthday Thursday (June 27). It’s safe to say Lekan’s smooth vocals and captivating stage presence made for a memorable end to the night’s official lineup.
As the night drew closer to midnight, a surprise elevated the event to another level. Singer Jeremih made a special appearance to promote his upcoming released track “Wait On It,” featuring Bryson Tiller and Chris Brown.
To the crowd’s delight Jeremih also performed his classic hits “Birthday Sex” and “OUI,” adding a nostalgic and exhilarating finish to the evening. His performance was the perfect finale, leaving the room buzzing with energy and anticipation for what was to come.
Overall, “By The Way Wednesday” was a resounding success! Not only did the event highlight the vibrant Los Angeles R&B scene, it showcased a diverse array of talent and celebrated the essence of live R&B music. Each artist brought their unique sound and style to the stage leaving behind an intimate yet vibrant experience, unforgettable moments, and a community united by the love of music.