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Posted under: Music Culture

8 Wig-Snatching, Unapologetically Black Moments From Beyoncé's Historic Performance At Coachella

Beyoncé became the first black woman artist to headline the California music festival.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter may have broken the internet after what many are calling the greatest performance at Coachella -- ever. The 36-year-old made history around this time last April by being the first black woman to headline the music festival, and she was sure to remind everyone of that fact in her unapologetically black performance. 

From the band to the step routines to the moments of homage to black icons, it's no doubt that the music legend's performance was for the culture.  

Here are some of the dopest moments from her 2-hour performance of brilliant choreography, raw vocals, and four costume changes.  

1. The lit HBCU-style band and stepping was everything


The Houston singer's showmanship is unmatched. While making history at Coachella, she also paid homage to historically black colleges and university (HBCU) bands that have been known to show up and show out. She brought a marching band of her own that was vital to her historic performance.   

Many were also quick to notice her nod at black fraternities and sororities with the Bug-A-Boos and the many step performances throughout the show. 

2. She sang the black national anthem for the culture


Created in 1900 by James Wheldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" became the black national anthem representing the triumphs and perseverance of black people in America. Beyoncé blew people's minds with her flawless rendition of the song.  


3. Destiny's Child reunited and it felt so good


One of the most important girl groups in history reunited on stage for the festival. It was the first time the trio performed live for a huge audience since their reunion at the 2013 Superbowl during Beyoncé's halftime show performance. Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined Beyoncé in matching black and gold costumes to knock out the crowd with their hits “Say My Name,” “Soldier” and “Lose My Breath."


4. Her queen-like entrance snatched edges


The camera sets its focus on a badass woman drummer and then swoops past a few dancers to finally reveal Queen Bey in all of her glory. Beyoncé proves yet again that she is one of the greatest entertainers alive with this entrance that set the tone for what was to come.  


5. Solange came through to drop it low with her sis

Solange joined her sister in a dance break for the ages to the classic hit "Get Me Bodied" on stage. Take a look at the video below of the legendary sisters dropping it low.  


6. Bey and Jay gave us all "Déjà Vu"


Two of pop culture's most important people, Jay Z and Beyoncé, took the stage to perform “Déjà Vu"  from her second solo album, B'Day. 


7. She paid homage to Nina Simone and Malcolm X


All the while entertaining the crowd, Beyonce also managed to pay tribute to the "High Priestess of Soul" Nina Simone and civil rights icon Malcolm X. The tribute was timely because Simone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the "Godmother of Rock & Roll" Sister Rosetta Tharpe this past Saturday night. 

8. She reminded everyone that in Coachella's nearly 20-year history she's the first black woman to headline

"Thank you for allowing me to be the first black woman to headline Coachella,” she said midway through her performance, before adding:

“Ain’t that ’bout a bitch.”


We can't wait to see what the queen has in store for us during weekend two of Coachella. 

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Atlanta-based creative, dope photographer, journalist and lover of the wing ding.