Rahbi picks some ‘Strange Fruit’
This is why he’s hotby j. brotherlove
When you assemble fiercely independent, yet crazy talented local Atlanta artists on one bill, magic is going to happen. On April 7, Apache Cafe hosted Strange Fruit, a concert featuring Madam CJ, Kimberly’Nichole, Donnie, Rellish and headliner Rahbi. It’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in some time.
I’ve witnessed each artist on separate occasions and knew that putting them all on the same bill was genius from the start. They complemented each other well including the band who delighted in transitioning from soul to r&b to rock and back.
The show began with petite Madam CJ being led onto the stage in fur, fuck-me pumps and a revealing, self described “hooker Easter dress”. After belting out a track she switched gears to MC for the night. Madam CJ is a damn fool; sort of a Moms Mabley with gay man’s sensibilities.
Kimberly’Nichole took the stage next in a vintage top and black sequin hot pants. In addition to having a great voice, Kimberly’s arrangements are creative and she knows a thing or two about stage presence, often distorting her face and body to the music. The audience loved her dynamic set which included her addictive single “Can’t Get Enough” and a stripped down, loud rock cover of Jill Scott’s “Is It The Way”.
After a short break it was time for Rahbi, the man of the night. Rahbi’s an odd duck. His voice is reminiscent of Rahsaan Patterson but his showmanship is directly related to Prince (although, I think he’s even smaller). For his introduction, Madam CJ delivered an elaborate musical vamp (ala vogue ball) as Rahbi slinked down the front of his red carpet in a gold lame cape (I didn’t mistype that).
But Rahbi doesn’t rest on being flashy. He’s fiercely talented, performing with nearly everyone in Atlanta (notably as Donnie’s backup before breaking out solo). He sang, danced, flirted, joked and kept the entire sold-out crowd energized from start to finish. By the time he performed “Darling Nikki” (complete with stripper and stripper pole and pole dance performer Joe), it became impossible to forget the night.
In addition, Rellish took over the set for a funny rap track (Ms. Melodie meets Cyndi Lauper) and it was great to see Donnie decked out and joining the band for “Strange Fruit” over a samba jazz beat. These things don’t happen everyday.
As abruptly as the night began, Rahbi ended it by stopping the music suddenly and proclaiming “And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’m hot!” before he and the band danced offstage to Mims’ hip hop hit of the same name. Yes indeed.
Correction: Darling Nikki performed complete with pole and pole dance performer. Terminology is key! But we are Stripalicious!! smile
You’re right Joe. Terminology is important; there was no stripping involved. Thanks for correcting me!
J. Brotherlove - thank you SOOO much for the FANTASTIC review. This is my first official “review” as an artist and this surely made my heart smile. Thanks again for your wonderful words and support. Much Love, Kimberly’Nichole…
This concert was definitely one of my favorites since moving to Atlanta. The crowd was live, drinks were plentiful, and Rahbi’s performance was FIRE!! One of the best shows i’ve seen.
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