THE long lines snaking all the way around the building at KL Live on Nov 4 could only have meant one thing: Khalid was on Location.
The American Teen singer, whose full name is Khalid Donnel Robinson, was in town to perform in a satellite show for Urbanscapes 2018, and came prepared with zealous energy and dancers who shared the same performing spirit.
Khalid Live in Malaysia is part of the city-wide three-week creative arts festival celebrating the theme #ReimagineKL, which ends this Sunday.
Local singer/songwriter Alextbh opened up the show for Khalid, coming on stage with a pride flag draped across his shoulders.
The 22-year-old Still Mine singer said: “I’m wearing this flag with me on stage, not only because it represents my identity but because I’m here to express solidarity towards other minorities that have been oppressed under tyranny, under scrutiny after all these years.”
He went on to provide a platform for the voiceless victims of senseless crime, including the avoidable death of teenager T. Nhaveen.
“So if you ask me, why I need to show my pride, that’s why.”
And then he said something that truly went on to embody the beautiful evening: “Tonight is all about inclusivity and love, so tell everyone next to you that you love them.”
The local act left show-goers in a rather euphoric mood. His positivity fuelled the young crowd who began singing along to Kendrick Lamar while waiting for the main act.
Deafening screams soon erupted when the US singer finally burst onstage with 8TEEN, one of the tracks from his 2017 album American Teen, spawning a chorus of voices singing along to the song.
As the red glow illuminating the stage turned to a cool blue, and the singer pleaded with the lyrics “promise that you’ll keep my love with ya”, on Winter, there was still a fleeting sense of excited disbelief.
It was definitely surreal to watch the great Khalid finally perform live, albeit on a stage too small to contain his artistry.
Every element of the entire hour-and-a-half show – the stage setup, his band, and dancers – culminated in a performance that felt as if it was for a televised award programme.
It was evident the singer was having a blast, and the event hall packed with people who love his music reciprocated that love by singing every lyric to his songs.
From Coaster and American Teen, to Young, Dumb, and Broke, OTW, and Location – the first song that introduced most fans to the singer back in 2016 – the night was one giant happy karaoke party.
