ALEMEDA - BOSTON, MA 5.18.25
Coverage by Madi Bennett
In one of Cambridge's most intimate venues The Sinclair this past Sunday night, a completely sold out show was treated to not one but two phenomenal performances, with Alemeda setting a powerful impression before Rachel Chinouriri took the stage. Having recently signed with both Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records, Alemeda joins SZA and Doechii as only the third female act on TDE's roster. Alemeda has already created a dedicated following, with numerous fans in the crowd already familiar with her songs. This is a rare accomplishment for an opening act, especially since this is her first time touring!
Alemeda kicked off her set with one of her biggest hits “I hate your face”, immediately establishing her emotional presence and setting the tone for a performance that balanced vulnerability with boldness. The audience's response was really positive, with many fans singing along to every word, indicating her growing influence beyond supporting act status.
One of the highlights was the crowd's enthusiastic reaction to “Guys Girl,” where many audience members belted out lyrics with surprising familiarity. This appeal speaks to Alemeda's ability to craft songs that resonate beyond expected boundaries, touching on universal themes while maintaining her distinct voice. During this, I heard several fans talking with others in the crowd saying she’s “sooo good” and “she’s amazing, wow”.
The set took a more somber turn when Alemeda introduced some of her unreleased tracks. These new songs revealed a deeper side of her music, leaning towards emotional melancholic vibes. These unpublished works featured a personal experience of watching someone close to her battle addiction. The audience was very attentive during this particular performance, which testified to its emotional weight and Alemeda's skill at attracting attention even in vulnerability.
Her breakthrough single “Don't Call Me” predictably drew the most enthusiastic response, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics clearly resonating with the Cambridge crowd. The performance of this track showcased her comfort with her established work while hinting at the artistic growth evident in her newer works. Throughout the set, Alemeda showed a natural stage presence with her ability to shift between energetic and intimate songs kept the audience engaged, creating a perfect atmosphere for Rachel Chinouriri's headline performance. The chemistry between her and the audience showed that she will soon be headlining venues herself.
For those lucky enough to witness this performance, Alemeda provided not just an opening act but the chance to see an artist on the edge of broader recognition. Her combination of established favorites and promising new material left the audience wanting more. As she continues to develop her sound and expand her catalogue with personal yet universally relatable songs, Alemeda is establishing herself as an artist worthy of attention in her own right. I’m very appreciative that I was able to see her perform before she sells out arenas in the near future, truly an incredible act.
Listen Alemeda here: alemedamusic.com
