Rina Sawayama's Dublin Debut

Hours before the doors had opened, the Academy in Dublin’s city centre was packed with eager fans. For most Dubliners, this was their first concert since the lockdown. Understandably, spirits were festive. For everyone, the past eighteen months have been incredibly challenging. However, for Rina Sawayama, the last year has seen the explosion of her career. Sawayama, her debut album, was released in April 2020, right after lockdown began. In the months following the release, Sawayama has been nominated for numerous accolades, including a Brit award, being featured on ‘Best Of’ lists for Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Pitchfork, and even an endorsement from Sir Elton John. Now, with the beginning of Sawayama’s Dynasty tour, it seems that 2021 is the year the world finally gets to meet Rina.

Before the show, the sound engineers began playing music, resulting in the crowd singing along to “Dancing on My Own” by Christine and the Queens and “Immaterial” by SOPHIE. The night opened with an electronic set by singer-songwriter and producer HANA. Dressed in a sleek fit that bordered between futuristic and antique (designed by Evan Clayton), HANA instantly encapsulated the crowd. Despite being alone on stage and equipped only with a turntable, HANA managed to harness the energy of a symphony. She played one continuous set, with each song seamlessly following another in an ethereal wave of noise. Her set primarily consisted of tracks from her 2019 album HANADRIEL, which featured dance hits such as “Black Orchid,” as well as softer, acoustic songs like “Cowgirl Bebop.” All in all, HANA managed to get everyone dancing in preparation for Rina.

The energy was tangible by the time Rina made her entrance, who sauntered gracefully up the raised platform on stage. As she held her pose, the crowd hollered and chanted her name. That was the moment Rina Sawayama became a pop star.

The atmosphere on stage was powerful, feeling somewhere between a rock ‘n’ roll gig and a stadium pop concert. Rina opened the set with “Dynasty,” which is also the first track in her self-titled album. When performed live, the song is intense and resounding, thanks to Vic Jamieson on electric guitar and Simone Odaranile on drums. Rina was also accompanied on stage by dancers Shola B Riley and Nakai Warikandwa. All performers were women of colour. Credit must be given to the supporting performers, who made the show absolutely enthralling. Whether it was the effortlessly coordinated dance moves, the steady drum rhythm, or epic guitar solos.

Between sets, Rina would talk to the audience, often alluding to the next song in the setlist. At one point she declared: “Microaggressions suck! I wish people would just shut the fuck up!” The crowd joined Rina in chanting “shut the fuck up!” as she segued into “STFU!” a song about overcoming hate in the face of oppression. Next, after a presumably-exhausting dance routine, Rina lounged on the floor and talked about her past year. She took a moment to thank the fans, for making her feel loved, making her feel talented, and, most of all, making her feel confident (the lyrics to her biggest hit.) With that, she jumped into “Comme De Garçon.”

It was nice jubilant dancing as well as tender moments. Such as when Rina sat with Odaranile and Jamieson on the platform to sing an acoustic rendition of “Chosen Family.” The affection between the musicians on stage was palpable, as they all gazed joyfully into each other's eyes. You could feel the relief on their faces, finally being able to perform such an emotionally charged song on stage after eighteen months. Everyone in the room was able to feel the love. Later on, Rina would ask the audience members to turn to each other and say, “I love you,” and she reminded every concertgoer of their importance and value. “This is a song I wrote because I haven’t always been the kindest to myself. I want to remind everyone here that it’s okay to put themself first,” said Rina before singing “Who’s Gonna Save U Now?” Funny enough, the “Rina” chants that can be heard in the studio version of the song were recreated in real life, as the crowd cheered on the performers.

The night left everyone filled with hopeful spirits. During intermissions, news clips of the climate disaster and growing inequalities played. On stage, Rina reminded the audience that we, especially Gen Z youth, have the power to change the world. As Rina addressed the crowd, “In twenty years' time, you can be the ones telling the younger generations that you manage to overcome all the bullshit and inequality and make a difference.” It was a reminder that was deeply needed, as it is so easy to slip into apathy and cynicism. While it is easy to view ourselves as insignificant, the night served as a reminder that our words, actions, and even music can have profound impacts.

Toward the end of the show, someone yelled “Come to George!” inviting Rina to a nearby gay bar. As the audience left, many were hugging each other, while others were making plans to go clubbing, possibly to the bar where Rina was invited. All in all, Rina’s Dublin debut was a night to remember. It seems Rina has finally established her Dublin ‘dynasty’.