COLORS is a fantastic platform to view performances by new artists and discover who’s got next, but it’s increasingly becoming a showcase for legends as well. In the past year alone, they’ve welcomed Teedra Moses and Jill Scott to their colorful stage, and for their latest feat, they’ve rolled out the red carpet — or in their case, a brick red set — for the Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan.
Queen Khan assumed the position in front of a microphone hanging from the ceiling. Standing on a raised platform in the room covered in the deep, rich hue, she decided to sing a classic from her catalog instead of one of her new singles from her forthcoming album Chakzilla. Chaka reached back to her 1984 album I Feel For You to sing the iconic single “Through The Fire.”
After the instantly recognizable opening notes were played, the 73-year-old diva started singing the song, which was famously sampled by Kanye West for his song “Through The Wire” in 2004. Khan belted out the tune like the mortgage on her mansion was due. Yes, there was some hooting and hollering to be heard in the second half of her performance, but overall Chaka’s vocals were robust and as radiant as the stunning septuagenarian.
Chaka Khan has a new album to roll out, so expect to see more of her in the coming weeks and months, but this COLORS performance of such a nostalgic throwback was the musical hug from a beloved legend that we needed.
