Colombian-Canadian singer Jessie Reyez electrified a sold-out crowd at the South Side Ballroom on July 22, as part of her highly anticipated Paid In Memories Tour.
As she stepped out from behind the dark blue mist, Reyez expressed genuine surprise at the enthusiastic attendance. “Yo, this place is f****** huge. I didn’t expect so many people in here tonight,” she admitted, surveying the sea of approximately 4,000 fans.
This remarkable turnout underscores Reyez’s growing influence in pop culture, marking her as one of the hottest acts today. The tour, highlighted as one of the Observer’s “10 Best Dallas Summer Concerts,” showcases her unique blend of genres and powerful vocal delivery.
Reyez’s rapid rise to fame since her debut in 2016 had sparked curiosity about her fanbase, with concertgoers sharing their mixed reactions before the show. “Lowkey still tryna gatekeep Jessie Reyez cause who are all these people (who said that),” one fan mused, while another exclaimed, “Why didn’t y’all tell me Jessie Reyez that girl, oh my God?”
Known for her raspy yet striking vocals that traverse a range of tones, Reyez captivates audiences with her multi-genre style that seamlessly blends Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B. The Paid In Memories Tour not only promotes her latest singles—”RIDIN” featuring Lil Wayne, “Shut Up” featuring Big Sean, “Just Like That” featuring Ari Lennox, and her poetry collection, Words of a Goat Princess—but also represents her musical versatility.
Dressed in a stylish jean skirt paired with a trendy jean top and towering nine-inch heels, Reyez kicked off the show with the edgy track “Love In The Dark.” Her commanding presence had her gliding across the stage confidently. Recognizing many in the crowd were unfamiliar with her, she introduced herself in true rockstar fashion.
“What the f*** is up, Dallas?” she shouted, leading into her next performance, “I Do.” After acknowledging the crowd, she humorously addressed those who may have been reluctant attendees: “If anyone got dragged here by their boyfriend or girlfriend. I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Jessie F*****’ Reyez.”
An elaborate L.E.D. screen enhanced the concert experience with vibrant visuals, alongside poetic messages and behind-the-scenes content that complemented her performance. The captivating imagery transitioned smoothly—from celestial stars to tranquil ocean waves—reflecting the varying moods of her Rock, R&B, and Pop repertoire.
Reyez also incorporated personal elements into her performance, inviting her father on stage to join her for a dance, honoring their shared heritage. As the evening progressed, she shared her three main goals for the night with the audience.
“Goal [number] one, this is a no shame zone,” Reyez explained, encouraging attendees to express themselves authentically. She addressed the introverts, assuring them, “If this is how you show excitement, you do you, you be yourself. Don’t feel pressured to do s***, ok? You be yourself.”
Turning to the more extroverted members of the audience, she urged them to let loose: “If the person next to you is not singing, but you want to, sing. If the person next to you is not dancing, but you want to, dance. If you’re scared of being judged – that is irrelevant tonight.”
Reyez’s second goal, easily achieved given the roaring crowd, was ensuring that everyone went home feeling like an “80-year-old smoker” from all the singing. With her captivating band ready to perform, she introduced the soulful “PSILOCYBIN & DAISIES” while explaining her third objective—to make the concert a transformative experience.
“I need to make sure that you go home feeling better than however you came,” she assured her fans. “If there’s anything that piss you off today, this week, this month, we’re letting some s*** go. Let it go. When I say f*** my ex, you say f*** my ex.”
As the evening wore on, a creative exchange sparked a playful dynamic in the crowd. Bras began to fly toward the stage as Reyez prepared to dive into the latter part of her act, characterized by a blend of rock anthems and soulful reflections on personal struggles and heartbreak. Tracks like “F*** It,” “Shutter Island,” and “Coffin” resonated deeply with her loyal fans, many of whom had been patiently awaiting these poignant performances.
One bra turned into a pile at Reyez’s mic stand, prompting her to toss flowers to the audience in return for the flying garments. Taking a moment to reciprocate the affection, she led an affirmation exercise.
“I am smart, I am strong,” she declared, and upon noticing the playful atmosphere, added, “Oh, you needed more air for that bra [laughs].”
She reminded attendees to shift their focus onto themselves during this exercise, emphasizing that personal empowerment is crucial and that affirmations should sound authentic and heartfelt. A collection of hits then followed, showcasing Reyez’s vulnerability in tracks like “COFFIN,” “FOREVER,” and “IMPORTED.” The crowd ardently praised these emotional pieces, further solidifying her connection with her audience.
During a moment of empathy, Reyez encountered possibly her youngest fan, a 10-year-old girl attending the concert. This encounter demonstrated Reyez’s awareness of social issues, particularly those surrounding immigration—an important topic close to her heart as a child of immigrants.
She brought attention to this matter, asking the audience who among them was an immigrant or a child of immigrants. “Can you make some noise?” she requested, and when the crowd responded, she stated, “Isn’t that beautiful? You would have to be blind to not see what’s going on in the news right now, and I would have to be stupid not to say anything about it.”
Reyez continued to reflect on her background, sharing that she was born in Toronto to a hardworking Colombian immigrant family. This heartfelt dialogue emphasized her commitment to representing and supporting others facing similar challenges.
Following this poignant moment, Reyez shifted the concert’s energy to a more playful tone, delving into a lighter subject matter. “Can we talk about sex?” she inquired, to enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
With a playful grin, she went on to describe her preferences, humorously elaborating on her ‘praise kink.’ She enthralled the crowd with her intimate anecdotes, prompting them to chant, “She’s the best” in unison as the ambiance became increasingly flirtatious.
Once the stage was set for the song “Jeans,” Jessie Reyez captivated the audience with her raw sensuality. Couples throughout the ballroom shared the moment, creating an intimate atmosphere that enhanced the experience for many.
Previously referred to as a “national treasure” by fellow artist Drake, Reyez fully embraced her role as a captivating performer that night. Her dynamic stage presence—marked by dancing, pacing, and personable interactions—left a lasting impression on those present.
Before concluding the evening with her fan-favorite, “CUDN’T B ME,” Reyez engaged the audience in a crowd recital, ensuring that her fans felt fully a part of the experience.
“Ok, ok, I just need to double check,” she said before leading them in song, mirroring the heartfelt connection she had fostered throughout the concert.
As she received the love from the roaring crowd, Jessie Reyez’s farewell emphasized the importance of her audience in her journey. “Dallas, I’m living out my f*****’ dreams. And the only reason I’m able to do that is because of people like you. Thank you for coming. Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight … Peace and love, forever. It’s gratitude, forever. I’m just like you. If you have a dream, go for it. And before I go, my name is Jessie F*****’ Reyez.”
As the crowd left the South Side Ballroom, it was clear that Jessie Reyez had not just performed a concert but had created a memorable experience worth every penny.
image source from：dallasweekly
