The energy in the Student Center’s ballroom was electric on April 3rd as students rushed to pack the room. R&B pop sensation Tinashe took the stage in a highly anticipated concert planned by Kent State’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG). The free event, part of the university’s Flashfest, showcased the university’s commitment to bringing top-tier entertainment to campus.

Rising star Baby Tate opened the show, hyping up the crowd with fan favorites “Hey, Mickey!” and “I Am.” Her performance was an introduction for many in the crowd, but it was clear that her strong performance skills and self-described “bad bitch pussy pop” got her a lot more listeners. Sophomore computer information systems major, Camryn Wyman, said she didn’t know much about Baby Tate before the show but left impressed. “It’s a shame that I haven’t explored more of her music before today. Her performance was great,” Wyman said. “And I’m so glad I got to see Baby Tate before her prime.”

The energy in the room completely shifted when Tinashe hit the stage. Opening up with “Getting No Sleep” from her 2024 album “Quantum Baby,” it was clear that Tinashe meant business. She delivered an almost 40-minute set full of both amazing choreography and vocals. One of the highlights of the performance was the mash up of her two biggest hits “2 On” and “All Hands on Deck.” She was all smiles, hearing the audience sing back the words to her songs that came out over ten years ago. 

One of the best parts of listening to a Tinashe song is hearing the blending of genres. When asked about why her music resonates with listeners so much, Kent State University student Micah Cordell responded, “she is so great at blending genres, but at the same time she has kept up with the times. “2 On” was dropped in 2014 and “Nasty” in 2024, but both are viral hits and you can hear that she stayed true to her sound.” 

“Nasty” by Tinashe was definitely the song of the summer in 2024. From the raunchy, yet catchy lyrics to the viral dance trends, the chorus of “Nasty” is almost inescapable. 

Fittingly, Tinashe performed the song as her closer—sending off the audience in a whirlwind of energy, dance and nostalgia.

“Thanks to this concert, I have started listening to an artist I didn’t know that I already loved in the first place,” fashion merchandising major Jenna Dixon said. That is why events like Flashfest are important to Kent–they introduce students to new artists, create lasting memories and bring the campus community together through shared experiences and live music.

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