In the world of hip-hop and nu-soul, Erykah Badu exists as a truly original talent, circling way out in an eccentric orbit, that owes little to her contemporaries. Collaborating with maverick producers such as Madlib, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra Creative Partners) and the late J.Dilla – her recordings have always pushed the boundaries in her own inimitable style.

It’s now thirteen years since her debut Baduizm took the hip-hop scene by storm, selling three million copies and winning her two Grammys in the process. This year marks the release of her sixth album, the second part of her New Amerykah magnum opus Return Of The Ankh and yet again it marks another change of direction. Whereas part one, recorded during the Bush presidency was funky, aggressive and very political, the new album is much more introspective and personal with love as its central theme.

As a live performer, Erykah Badu has few rivals. Along with her unique vocal style, she possesses a magnetic and commanding charisma, which keeps the observer glued to every single gesture and look she makes on the stage. She never loses her ability to completely dumbfound an audience, at her last Barcelona show in the Movistar Arena, she suddenly crossed to the front of the stage and dived into the crowd, allowing them to pass her above their heads for a full ten minutes whilst she continued singing.

This will be Erykah Badu’s second appearance at Poble Espanyol, and is a perfect combination of a brilliant performer in a beautiful outdoor setting, definitely not a show to be missed.

July 18th

€45