Omar Apollo at Thunderbird Arena

Review and Photos – Omar Apollo at Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver, Sep 29 2024

The hype around Omar Apollo’s show from the crowd could be found everywhere within the university arena. Hardcore fans had been waiting outside since 10 am that day, ensuring their spot in the front row to get the best look at their favourite artist.

Hip-hop star of BROCKHAMPTON, Kevin Abstract, started the show with roaring cheers. He danced, rapped, and vibed with the audience, playing hits like “Peach” and engaging in lighthearted banter with fans about their favourite songs. When someone called for him to play his current favourite from Charli XCX, Abstract joked, “Ya’ll came to see me and Omar, I’m not going to play Charli.”

Then, it was time: Smoke filled the arena while a remix of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” echoed throughout the room. The curtain rose, revealing Omar Apollo centre stage in his signature furry coat from the cover of God Said No. The album title, as Apollo once shared, was inspired by a painful breakup: “I gave it my everything, and God said ‘no.’”

Omar Apollo (Omar Apolonio Velasco), born in Indiana to Mexican parents from Guadalajara, has come a long way since his humble beginnings. In 2017, using $30 borrowed from a friend, he uploaded his R&B track “Ugotme” to Spotify. The song landed on the platform’s Fresh Finds playlist and amassed 20,000 streams in just one day. A year later, it had over 15 million.

As a soft strumming backing guitar filled the stage, his opening track, “Be Careful With Me,” set the tone for the incredible production the crowd was in for. Shedding his coat, he revealed an all-white ensemble complete with sparkling boots, every detail meticulously crafted to give the audience a perfect audio and visual experience.

A group of dancers emerged from backstage as Apollo seamlessly joined in their elaborate choreography while belting out seemingly impossible high notes with his angelic voice. Phenomenal is an understatement. He delivered deeply emotional tracks like “Empty,” “Drifting” and “Glow,” and each song captivated the audience who hung on every extended note and stunning visual.

The performance was divided into acts with unique thematic visuals and vibe, highlighted by various coordinated dance routines and set pieces. You could tell Apollo was fully in his element, revelling in the moment as he gave his fans an experience they’d never forget. He paused to showcase his Latin heritage, encouraging the audience to compete in a Grito (Mexican yell) contest, to see who could shout the loudest.

After each song, thunderous applause and cheers echoed throughout the arena. When Apollo returned for his encore, he quipped, “Normally I’d gaslight y’all, saying you’re not yelling loud enough, but I can’t deny how amazing you’ve been tonight.”

For those who had the pleasure of seeing Omar Apollo live, it was a transcendent experience. Though it was sad to see the night come to an end, the memories of that night will surely be treasured for many years to come.