Live Report: Tolü Makay stuns Whelan's

Tolü Makay brought her powerful vocal talents and emotional tunes to her show at Whelan's on Thursday night. 

The stage was draped with fairy lights, white cloth, and flowers, creating a perfect match for Makay's essence on stage. She looked like a garden fairy with shimmering makeup and stunningly styled hair. The band, which included two backup vocalists, were nestled around the stage, framing Makay's silhouette. 

Tolü Makay at Whelan's /copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

Her lyrics ranged from hopeful to solemn, and the room was quickly filled with Makay's soulful and vibrant vocals. They seemed to cascade from the walls, and accompanying her was a keyboard player who spiritually fused with Makay's voice, rocking back and forth, smiling.

For her song 'EARTH', Makay's vocals were deep and emotive, joined by percussion that highlighted her voice perfectly. The backup vocals, echoing the ethereal quality of Makay's voice, also played a crucial role in weaving a beautiful tapestry of sound.

Her breakup anthem, 'Goodbye', was a poignant ballad, featuring extended notes that conveyed longing, while she confidently declared: "I'll be fine without you."

Tolü Makay at Whelan's /copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

Makay encouraged the audience to feel empowered by her music. “I'm just being unapologetic about how freaking extra I am," she said. "And I really want to make sure that as we go into this set of mind that you guys feel empowered, you guys feel special, you guys feel loved, and you go away feeling safe and also that I hope you just feel free.”

Tolü Makay at Whelan's /copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

While Tolu’s rich voice gave her performance an emotional quality, I particularly enjoyed the playful contrast between her technically impressive vocals and the lightheartedness of her song ‘Behavin Like a Lil Bitch.’

"Some people behave like little bitches don't they?" she said to the crowd – who responded with a roar of laughter. The song was so catchy that I had to move to it.  

The mood was so emotional and positive that it left the audience feeling whole, and strongly connected to Tolü's voice. Her smile was constant throughout the performance, making it clear that she's not only amazing at what she does – she genuinely loves doing it too.