CONCERT: JANELLE MONAE’S AGE OF PLEASURE TOUR CONTINUOUSLY ELECTRIFIES AND CELEBRATES

BY JESSE ZAPATERO

“Your mission tonight is to not think about the past,” Janelle monae proclaimed at their last stop of the Age of Pleasure Tour at YouTube Theater on October 18, 2023, Wednesday night. “Inglewood, your mission tonight is to not think about the past or the future.”

With those two directives, Monáe fostered not just an endlessly captivating atmosphere of entertainment, but also a haven of safety, acceptance, freedom and positivity — if only for two hours and change.

Monáe kicked off their latest nationwide tour in support of her fourth studio album Age Of Pleasure, a reggae-tinged embrace of revolutionary pleasure. Throughout their nearly two-hour set — which featured strong opening sets from producer and DJ Nana Kwabena and Dreamer Isomia — Monáe seamlessly tied the vision and mission of The Age of Pleasure to the rest of her discography.

With the show’s first chapter — “Chapter 1: A Thousand Versions of the Self” Monáe captivatingly delves into the diversity of individuality. From a commanding figure leading dancers in a Midsommar-inspired ensemble to a sleek twerk black bodysuit, Monáe embraces various facets of herself, all declared to be "fine as f—" in the empowering track "Phenomenal." This exploration of self seamlessly transitions into a celebration of community, enhanced by songs like "Q.U.E.E.N." and an audience-centric dance party featuring Pose actress Angelica Ross.

It’s definitely a celebration. It’s a community gathered together creating a safe space for everyone to express and create, allowing each other to just be, and exist freely. It definitely feels like going to a backyard party with friends and family. It’s warm, it’s intimate, it’s welcoming and it’s overflowing with energy, love and beauty. Monae has evolved into an overall powerhouse artist-performer with abundance of talent. The energy and the range that they exude is so infectious, that it leaves you inspired, happy and excited deep inside- it’s that kind of collective, creative pleasure that makes you yearn for more.