This past weekend, the JAY Z founded the festival, Made in America, which took place in Philadelphia with a loaded line-up for both Saturday and Sunday. As always, three stages were set up along Benjamin Franklin Parkway: the Freedom Stage, the Liberty Stage, and the Rocky Stage. While some find it difficult to navigate between the stages in such a massive space, it Made in America continues to provide an EXPERIENCE – you truly have to be dedicated to the festival lifestyle.
On Saturday, the first day of Made in America, Hip Hop and R&B filled the airwaves as artists like DIXSON, Genevieve, Flo Milli, Glorilla, and Larry June, took to the stages. Despite a couple late arrivals and cancellations, the day pushed on with Hip Hop veteran, Pusha T and day one’s closer, Tyler the Creator. Tyler is an undeniable force and vibe on the stage and his performance didn’t fall short of expectations. He ooh’ed and aah’ed the crowed with pyrotechnics, wind machines, an amazing set design and an energetic set list.
One of our favorite highlights of the festival was the oh so raw, and vocally flawless Philly native, Jazmine Sullivan. Jazmine showcased her raw vocal skills, dynamic runs, and charismatic personality as she belted hits such as “Lions, Tigers & Bears,” and “Pick Up Your Feelings.”
On Sunday, all roads led to Bad Bunny, the closing day’s headliner. As the day carried on, Snow Alegra came through with her beautiful aura and vocals. Don Toliver brought his Houston flavor in his mixture of Hip Hop and R&B. And one of the other highly anticipated performers of the night, Burna Boy, also put on for the Afrobeats fans and music lovers, alike. The crowd was PACKED for his infectious performances – rocking out hits like “Gbona,” “Jerusalema,” “It’s Plenty,” and his electrifying hit, “Last Last.”
It was interesting to note the divide of festival goers as Afrobeats fans rushed to the Liberty Stage for Burna Boy, and the more Pop/Spanish savvy fans started making their way to the Rocky Stage for Bad Bunny – who closed out the festival. Overheard people calling him the “Puerto Rican Michael Jackson,” and his festive, high-voltage performance kind of lived up to that hype.
Overall, another year is in the books for the iconic festival that continues to put a spotlight on Philadelphia and more importantly, the diverse pool of talent in the music industry.
ICYMI, check out #CDHQ’s social media highlights here.
