Erykah Badu will once again grace New Zealand fans with one show in Auckland next April, as announced by Robin Fernando and FuZen Entertainment.
Universally known as the ‘Queen of Soul’, Badu’s unique approach to soul has redefined the genre, described as a mix of traditional soul vocals, staccato hip-hop rhythms and a laid-back jazzy groove by ‘The New York Times’.
Her impressive discography has dominated the charts throughout her 16-year career and has won her multiple Grammy awards. Her debut album ‘Baduizm’ released in ’97 debuted the Billboard charts at number two, went multi-platinum and won her two Grammy awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album. Her sharp-wit and social-conscious song-writing style responsible for producing the hit songs ‘On & On’, ‘Tyrone’ and ‘Window Seat’ is only surpassed by her electrifying stage presence and soulful vocal ability.
“Erykah Badu may have one of the most acclaimed back catalogues of any active R&B artist, but she has always seen herself as a live performer first and foremost… Reasons to believe Badu to be one of the best R&B performers of her generation have never been in short supply; tonight, she only confirms them.” - The Guardian UK (2012)
Born Erica Wright in Dallas, Texas, Badu christened herself after her favourite jazz-scat sound, “ba-du”. Her vocal ability is unsurpassed and has often been likened to jazz legend, Billie Holliday. Her iconic status as a leader of the neo-soul revolution has been confirmed by the respect she has received from the new generation of RnB revolutionaries. As well as working with a plethora of music’s finest, Badu teamed up with Macy Gray for her single ‘Sweet Baby’ and more recently, with Janelle Monáe on her hit single ‘Q.U.E.E.N’ released this April. At this year’s BET Awards, rapper of the moment Kendrick Lamar – winner of Best New Artist and Best Male Hip Hop Artist on the night – fulfilled a dream he’d harboured to work with Badu when she joined him on stage to perform his hit single ‘Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe’ and stole the show.
Her latest album, ‘New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh’ debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and ‘Rolling Stone’ named it one of the year’s best albums for 2010. Her last tour through Australia in 2012 saw her play to sold-out crowds and received rave reviews.
“After 15 years in the music business, Erykah Badu remains a fiercely independent spirit and genuinely inspiring artist.” – NZ Herald
Thursday, 10th April, 2014 at The Civic Theatre, Auckland Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9am, Thursday, 21st November 2013 via Ticketmaster
