With five albums under her belt, Okinawa based hip hop artist Awich is a master at her craft. As she challenges rigid definitions and denotes a refreshing fierceness, she oozes a confidence bound to make waves with listeners and audiences. She did not fail to bring this exuberance to the Fuji Rock stage this Friday evening, filling the entirety of the venue with enthusiastic fans.

The energy was high at the Red Marquee as Awich wowed the audience with a setlist filled with her top hits. Her songs Queendom, Kuchinidashite, and GILA GILA all made it to the setlist. Queendom, her 2022 album was the star of the show, bringing out loud and enthusiastic audience reactions song after song. Hands were in the air throughout the majority of the show as people danced and jumped to the rhythm of her tracks.

Before performing her song Doregaiikana, she points to the crowd and asks, “which should I pick? which should I pick?”. Awich’s stunning stage presence is only proof of her talent. She manages to keep the audience energized throughout the entirety of her set, and makes sure they are reminded that they are not only watching the show but they are a part of it.

In addition to numerous special guests, in the middle of the set, we were witness to a heartfelt collaboration as she welcomed her daughter Yomi Jah on stage to perform their song, Tsubasa. At the end of the song, the audience had the opportunity to pose for a selfie together with the mother and daughter duo.

Whatever Awich does, she does with passion. After watching her set, I can surely say that she is the epitome of female empowerment and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.