Wale and Nia Devine Help Kick Off the Spring Semester at the 13th Annual UpROAR

Sophia Medina/Staff Writer

UpROAR, an annual concert organized by FIU’s Student Programming Council, provided students with a moment of respite before the challenges ahead during the spring semester. 

BuddhaMane, Nia Devine, Silence Of, Ari Lennox, and  headliner Wale delivered virtual performances from separate locations. 

Each of these performers brought their own unique styles to create a memorable experience, despite the ongoing challenges of social distancing.

Nia Devine shared an intimate performance with viewers bringing some sweet soul and R&B. BuddhaMane followed, voicing powerful messages about black empowerment through his rap. 

Next Silence Of took the stage to perform a complete electronic set filled with melodic bass music, featuring popular songs from artists like Seven Lions and Last Heroes. Once his set was finished, Ari Lennox slowed things down with a soulful performance with songs from her latest album Shea Butter Baby.

Closing out the night was headliner, Wale. The Nigerian-American rapper, born and raised in Washington D.C., performed many popular tracks such as “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “On Chill” featuring Jeremih.

Throughout many of the performances, artists urged students to reflect on the hardships they faced in the last year. Many aimed to bring hope to viewers, as the 2021 year can mean a brand new start in everyone’s lives. 

Students were able to interact with other viewers and the artists through a special dedicated chat posted on Vimeo. In addition, concert-goers were encouraged to post a picture of their experience through social media, using #FIUSPC. The photos were then shared throughout the livestream during the artists’ performances. 

Although this year’s event was unable to be held in person, viewers were just as excited to expand their musical tastes. Throughout the show, students didn’t hesitate to express their excitement in the chat room.