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On a warm fall night in Brooklyn, a crowd of fever-pitched fans packed the outside of the Brooklyn Paramount Theater. Since its grand reopening, the venue has gained quite the reputation for its exceptional sound quality, regal décor, and an impressive lineup of industry heavyweights passing through. The marquee outside the Paramount glowed brightly, proudly displaying, “Tinashe – Sold Out.” The Nasty Tour featuring Tinashe, with headliner Raveena, was the cause of all the commotion.
Following the release of her seventh studio album, Quantum Baby, and the viral rise of “Nasty,” Tinashe arrived at stop 14 of her tour, ready to find someone who could “match her freak.” That bold line from her hit single took the world by storm in the summer of 2024, inspiring fans worldwide to join the frenzy with their own choreography, skits, and other viral content. The buzz around “Nasty” reignited Tinashe’s presence on the charts, earning her first solo Billboard Top 100 spot (peaking at #61) since 2016. Yet, for those who’ve followed her journey, this mainstream moment felt long overdue. Over recent years, Tinashe has cultivated a uniquely independent path—mastering production, mixing, and creative direction on her own terms. Refusing to conform to industry trends, she’s built a distinct artistic vision that resonates deeply with fans who “get it.” With Quantum Baby, she continues to elevate her craft, offering listeners an album that’s both a personal triumph and a testament to her relentless dedication.
When the doors opened at 7 p.m., the crowd poured in, quickly filling the venue’s intimate yet sociable space. The energy was electric as fans found their spots, buzzing with anticipation to see their girl take the stage. The setup was minimal but effective, with several parking lot-style cameras positioned in various corners, giving the night a raw, documentary-style vibe. It was clear this wasn’t just a performance—it was an immersive visual experience, captured from every angle.
After Raveena‘s tranquil opening set, the mood quickly shifted. The dreamlike papier-mâché tree that had adorned the stage was dismantled, replaced by a series of retro-futuristic security cameras. This dramatic transformation set the stage for Tinashe’s Quantum Baby cyber-Y2K aesthetic. As the crowd began to grow restless, various glitchy but commanding Tinashe visuals started playing on the display screens—ranging from past music videos of the artist to provocative and trippy stills. A unique mix of “Nasty” played in the background, to the crowd’s excitement. Then, at the peak of the crowd’s anticipation, the venue filled with smoke and was taken over by a deep pink lighting. Showtime!
Tinashe, accompanied by her backup dancers, strutted onto the stage, exuding calm yet undeniable confidence. Her magnetic presence immediately drew the crowd in, setting the room ablaze with sultry energy. Coming out the gates with favorites “Getting No Sleep,” “When I Get You Alone,” and “Needs,” she gave the audience an impressive sample of her 12-year discography. This was not her first rodeo in New York City. Tinashe has quite the love affair with the city, headlining several venues and festivals throughout the year. This would be my third time seeing her. I guess you could say I get nasty. She strikes a chord of superstardom and relatability with the audience every time—not through anecdotes or long-winded speeches, but with pure sensuality and charisma that make her irresistibly lovable. Coupled with stellar choreography and powerhouse vocals, she delivers a performance that leaves a lasting impression.
Her set featured a giant tri-fold display that acted as a visual mood board, perfectly setting the tone for the night. The screen served as a dynamic visualizer for Quantum Baby, often showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses into Tinashe’s artistic journey. A standout moment came when one of her dancers brought out a handheld camera, capturing Tinashe as she moved around the stage and filmed the crowd. The sea of smiling faces became the perfect backdrop for her performance of “Cross The Line,” while “Zoom” brought the audience into an even more intimate experience. With these layered visuals, she truly immersed the crowd in her world, selling her vision effortlessly.
Tinashe used every prop and visual at her disposal to bring her lyrics to life, making each song hit deeper. Her unwavering energy and presence, even after countless sold-out shows, left a lasting impression. Effortlessly, she led the audience through a whirlwind of emotions—provocative yet progressive. During “No Broke Boys,” she encouraged the crowd to keep their standards high in modern dating, and in her final number, “Nasty,” she drove the message home: never settle. Both of these songs brought a certain diva energy out of the crowd. Everyone was feeling themselves. As Tinashe went hit for hit to close out the show, fans screamed that they could be the one to ‘match her freak.’ It was clear she’d made her mark. She had left it all on the floor, dancing and performing throughout her entire hour set time. Once all the concert pleasantries were exchanged, she still looked very much determined to keep the fun going. And with eight more shows left in the U.S. at the time of this review—and an international tour for Australia, the U.K., and Asia in the works—Tinashe is set to take her unapologetic nasty energy to audiences worldwide.
Setlist for Tinashe at Brooklyn Paramount Theater on Nov. 4, 2024
1. Getting No Sleep
2. When I Get You Alone
3. Link Up
4. Bouncin’
5. Bouncin’, Pt. 2
6. Thirsty
7. Red Flags
8. The Worst In Me
9. Save Room For Us
10. Throw a Fit
11. Talk To Me Nice
12. X
13. Uncoditional
14. Party Favors
15. All Hands On Deck
16. 2 On
17. Cross The Line
18. Uh Huh
19. Gravity
20. No Broke Boys
21. Nasty (Match My Chic Remix)
22. Nasty
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