Live Review: Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote

Opening the evening, Melbourne-based, neo-soul band Hiatus Kaiyote blow the audience away thanks in large part to lead singer Nai Palm. The pint-sized songstress looks like Katy Perry but sings like Ms Lauryn Hill. Playing tracks from their debut album Tawk Tomahawk, the enigmatic quartet, plus their additional three vocalists, are true performers. After a flawless cover of J Dilla's So Far To Go, Hiatus Kaiyote's performance of their Grammy-nominated hit Nakamarra completely captivates.

A little after 9pm, Erykah Badu graces the stage. Dressed in layer-upon-layer – flannel shirt, sequined cape, large Pharrell-style hat, shirt tied around her waist, baggy pants and combat boots – she is the epitome of cool. All eyes are on the songstress as she begins her rendition of 20 Feet Tall. As she turns her attention to her MPC and begins performing On & On, Badu encourages the crowd to get up out of their seats. As the audience happily oblige, Badu breaks out into an unforgettable performance of Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop). It's evident that music flows through the queen of neo-soul's veins as she continues on with a soulful performance of I Want You. Her vocals are flawless. As she pauses to speak to her audience, Badu gushes, “I'm really happy to be here tonight,” going on to tell us that it was 15 years ago she signed a record deal with Kedar Entertainment (who put out Baduizm) and that was during the exact same planetary alignment as tonight.

Badu speaks to her audience members as if they are close, personal friends and this – paired with her stage presence – makes her one of those rare live performers you could watch a hundred times over and never tire of the experience. She also seems genuinely happy to be on stage. After professing of her love for Melbourne some more, Badu goes on to perform her hit Apple Tree followed by a little freestyling and even some twerking. At 43 years old, she is still workin' it. Badu closes the main set with a performance of Otherside Of The Game followed by an encore performance of 20 Feet Tall before shouting out, “Peace and love!” and taking the time to shake hands with audience members in the front rows. Over two hours, Badu's audience is treated to performance, dance, impeccable vocals, comedy, rap plus her amazing backing band. All hail the multi-talented first lady of neo-soul.