Show Review - Tkay Maidza w/ Kwey at 7th St Entry
2024-02-15 Minneapolis, MN
Tkay Maidza left the 7th St Entry crowd Walking on Air
Tkay Maidza cannot be stopped. And why would you want to? This tour is the result of years of transformation and hard work for the Australian singer/rapper and she makes it look effortless.
Starting in 2020, Maidza redefined her sound with the series of Last Year Was Weird EPs. Her new album, Sweet Justice, feels like the culmination of that trilogy - deftly and confidently switching styles throughout while the sequencing of the album still maintains a seamless flow. That confidence and skill shined through in every moment of her set at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis this past Thursday.
Local DJ Kwey opened the night with a fantastic dance-ready set. Bouncing between styles and eras (everything from a Shygirl remix to “My Humps”), Kwey kept the beat (and the people) moving and was having a great time while doing it. The room felt light and upbeat - everyone was primed for Tkay to take the stage.
Maidza’s hour-long set wove together tracks from her new album as well as the EP trilogy. Early in the night she showcased her singing prowess on songs like “Won One”, “Wasp” and “Cashmere”. A rose-adorned mic stand stood at the ready for more intimate tracks. After the energy built up she unleashed her rap skills (including spitting the JPEGMAFIA verse for 2020’s “Awake”), with DJ Pia B. joining her at the front of the stage multiple times.
And speaking of Pia B., who could ask for a better hype person? Pia kept the energy strong throughout and was always at the ready to back Maidza up. The standout for me was a tag team choreo moment during “Free Throws”. (see our video recap here)
Whether singing, rapping, dancing with Pia or sharing the highs and lows behind her songs, Tkay Maidza proved that you can work your ass off and still have fun.
Before performing the bouncy funk of “Walking on Air”, Maidza introduced it as her “delulu song.” But when you’re feeling so good, why question it? You never know what’s around the corner and when you’re feeling hyped about something, you’d better soak it in and tell somebody about it. And I’m telling you, I’m feeling hyped after this show.
