Masego can play saxophone, piano, guitar, percussion, bass… you name it, he does everything (as he so astutely emphasized in “I Do Everything” – one of my favorite tracks on his 2016 record “Loose Thoughts”).
Beyond his undeniable talent as a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, DJ, and rapper, Masego’s "Fix Your Face" Tour is an invitation to peer into his soul. He still shredded on the sax, still strummed the guitar, the keys were still pressed, but his voice shined as the most prominent instrument. There will be audio excerpts in here for your listening pleasure; I promise.
You might be familiar with the iconic saxophone riffs in his massively viral 2017 hit “Tadow,” but the newest record "Fix Your Face" introduces us to a more intimate version of Masego. His previous albums have offered glimpses into this new album in their own ways. The evolution of his sound in the new record culminates in a beautiful blend of life's ups and downs wrapped in genre-bending layers that sound modern yet familiar. He's the pioneer of a genre he has coined "TrapHouseJazz," and the new album continues that vibe in a way that feels more refined, while still speaking to his Jamaican-American roots with some touches of reggae.
A favorite from the new record:
"Breathe" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
If someone tells you to "fix your face", basically, it means don't show your emotions. Lock in. But what we experienced at his show was a kaleidoscope of genuine human experience woven expertly through an effortlessly cool set list, stage design, and artistic presence.
We already knew Masego was insanely talented. We already loved his voice. But this show felt like he was inviting us in to hang out and shoot the shit. He was on the stage, but he could have been sitting across from us at the dinner table. There was humor, there was honest reflection, and there was some serious groove.
But first, Lekan got us warmed up with some real juicy soul. Supporting Masego for select dates, he was a great complement to Masego's musical roots in R&B, funk, and jazz soul. If you're a D'Angelo fan, you'll like Lekan. Heads were bobbing, people were smiling, and we settled into a relaxed buzz. The vocals were velvety and effortless, and with his accompanying guitarist, we were enveloped in a warm, welcoming introduction to the night.
After a brief instrumental intro, Masego dove into the new album with "Wonderwoman," "Limerance," and "Heaven." His live band boosted the music to a level you just can't replicate in a studio; at least not enough to do it real justice in comparison. Masego led us through his lyrics with some call-and-response moments and drew us in even more whenever he prompted us to wave our arms in the air. It was a masterclass in stage presence. He did live looping to harmonize with himself at various points, which added yet another layer of undeniable talent that was really enjoyable to witness. His energy was playful and witty, with a knowing charm and suave that reminded me of how Stevie Wonder engages with his audience. And his voice? Lord almighty. 10/10, spot on, gorgeous tone.
The way I've been describing this concert so far might have you imagining a more intimate, cozy venue, but somehow Masego made Arizona Financial Theatre feel that way despite being packed with almost 5,000 fans. He wasn't shy to joke around but balanced it with some intimate insights into his more sensitive songs. "Dotted Line" and "Breathe" from the new record got me good, but then right after hitting me in the feels, Lekan came out, and they sang "Gone." They sounded great, and this started the shift into the more upbeat tunes of the night.
"Y'all mind if I take this off? Golly it's hot here in Arizona!"
A cheeky statement from Masego as he stripped off his button-down shirt before going into "Unhinged." There was a noticeable shift in energy from this point on, and the party kicked up a notch. We were treated to a killer guitar solo from Billy Blunt, who broke the fourth wall and came down to the lowest level of the stage to shred up close to the fans. "Recommend" lifted the vibe into that 'TrapHouseJazz' style Masego is so excellent at. This one was easily in my top 3 songs of the night. The bass and drum beats were thick and heavy. People who were sitting in their seats stood up and danced.
Pause. Listen, please:
"Recommend" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Okay, back to the show –
That drum solo after "Hello." Um, hello? That was one of the most incredible drum solos I've ever heard. Jonathan Curry absolutely ate it up, and everyone went insane. The band sounded extra fantastic on "Mystery Lady," and this was when I really had a moment to appreciate the mastery in front of me. I loved that Masego came down closer to the audience to throw out red roses to the crowd. He used more of the stage and even rolled around on the floor. Both Masego and us were now fully enthralled with one another.
As the show progressed, Masego seemed to be getting sillier. Before jumping into "Yamz," he said,
I didn't know they had thick women in Arizona. Jesus Christ!
I love that he's not afraid to have fun and let loose on stage. Music is exponentially better when paired with laughter. He ended with "QVC" which was a great upbeat track to wrap up the night for anyone who didn't stay for the encore. Masego left the stage to huge cheers, but not too long after, we heard him say from the dark stage:
"Shall we do one more song?"
I saw some people pause as they were heading out once they heard the first notes of "Tadow." This was when people really let loose and even stood in the aisles to have more room to dance. Great cap to a great night.
There's something different and sincere about Masego and his music that will hook you in, but hear him live, you're a goner. A class act who goes above and beyond for his audience – he quite literally does everything. His performance style feels laid back without losing energy or your attention, and the little quips he throws in between songs get you looking at the person next to you and start grinning. The musical quality across the whole night is something you need to experience. Everyone, including myself left feeling the same thing: damn.
