On the chilly night of January 20th, fans eagerly queued around the entire block outside of Rockefeller in Oslo in anticipation of Beharie’s sold-out concert, celebrating the release of his debut album, Are You There, Boy?
The atmosphere inside Rockefeller was already electric as Rick Grave took to the stage to warm up the already packed venue. With a personal touch and a dash of humor, he joked about the possibility of unsatisfied fans since he was the opening act, only to win everyone over with his soulful performance.
Just past 10pm, Beharie graced the stage, kicking off the set with ‘Wake Up’, followed by ‘We Never Knew’ and ‘Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?’ The fourth song, ‘Just for the day’ had the audience swaying and dancing, setting the tone for an evening of emotional depth and musical beauty.
The subsequent track, the fan favourite ‘Oh My God’, brought a surge of energy, with the crowd clapping along to the beat. The Norwegian singer, bathed in green and red lights, jumped around the stage, creating an infectious atmosphere that had the audience singing along in unison.
Throughout the performance, he seamlessly blended emotional ballads with upbeat, funky tunes. The beautiful backing vocals by Malin Byberg in ‘Don’t Wanna Know’ added an extra layer of richness to the music, while the mistimed introduction of a song brought laughter and a sense of spontaneity to the show.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when he asked the audience to join in on a song, creating a powerful connection between artist and crowd. The lyrics “Oh God, seems like you got everything I need” echoed through the venue as Beharie’s incredible vocals resonated.
The encore was a fitting climax to the night. The audience sang back the poignant lyrics of ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, creating a shared experience of emotion and connection. The singer closed the evening with the soulful ‘Won’t You Let Me Go’, leaving the crowd in awe and marking the end of an enchanting performance.
Beharie’s concert at Rockefeller was more than just a musical experience; it was a journey through emotion. The perfect blend of heartfelt songs, energetic performances, and genuine interactions with the audience made this night a truly special one that will linger in the memories of all fortunate enough to be in attendance.
Written by: Annika Schoonbrood
Photographed by: Annika Schoonbrood
Edited by: Lee Klaver
