Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images
  /  04.17.2019

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.


Janelle Monáe doesn’t just perform music, she puts on a theatrical show. The moves of her choreography, the sequencing of her songs, and even the timing of visuals play integral parts in the storytelling of her performances — many being 90 minutes long. Monáe’s brilliance is so boundless even the grand stage that is Coachella was a bit constraining.

“The biggest issue is we a super dynamic that’s actually 90 minutes. So, you really want the world to see the full show because there’s a whole story arc and everything,” Monáe’s lead choreographer, Jemel McWilliams, told REVOLT TV. “For Coachella, we only got 50 minutes. How do we get everything in 50 minutes that’s significant? So, what we had to do for Coachella is pull out our more iconic moments.”

For this special Coachella edition of “Tour Tales,” the team behind the star’s epic Coachella performance explain how the Lizzo and Tierra Whack connection happened, how Monáe makes beautiful mistakes and how she kicked Coachella’s ass.



 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @thetourtales on

The thousands of people gawking at the stage knew they were in for something special from the moment Monáe first appeared atop her pristine white steps in a red, black and white leather outfit to start the theatrical presentation with a performance of Dirty Computer’s “Crazy, Classic, Life.” A common performance moment of hers that is growing in iconography is her silhouette dance intro to “Make Me Feel.” Standing on her stage shrouded in darkness — except for the one spotlight on her — she glides as if her mind is independent of her body, and she’s being controlled by the spirits of James Brown and Michael Jackson.

Even geniuses make mistakes and Monáe is no different, accidentally tossing her hat off her head during the dance routine. But, part of the mark of a great talent is how well they can make mistakes look intentional.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @thetourtales on

“Janelle has a very peculiar way of moving, which is so dope and particular to her,” McWilliams said. For her choreography, he pieces together Janelle’s unique dancing style with his brand “so when you get moments like [the accidental hat toss] it feels like, ‘Was this choreographed?’ You don’t know because that speaks to how it all felt like her.”

McWilliams has helped guide Monáe’s moves since being an assistant/associate choreographer for her in 2015. He was later brought on as her lead choreographer for her 2018 “emotion picture” for her album Dirty Computer. According to McWilliams, half of the choreography and most of the dancers for Monáe’s Coachella performance were part of that visual. McWilliams helped the Wondaland creative team mastermind her performance and some of his vision manifested onstage.

“Django Jane is an army of black girl magic women. I’ve always had this vision of Janelle with this army of women claiming their space,” McWilliams said.



 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by “JEMEL”McWilliams (@jemelmcwilliams) on

Monáe performed fan favorites like “Tightrope,” “Q.U.E.E.N.,” and “Electric Lady.” But, it was the visually arresting rendition of “Django Jane” that has made a home in my memories, playing on loop. Seeing Monáe sitting on a throne, presiding over the 18 dancers around her — who danced in a militaristic unison as she raps about how “this is my palace” — it was impossible to not feel riveted. Fans may have seen creative choreography, but there were deeper meanings in each of those moves that connected to the larger story of the performance.

“Women can be sexual without being over-sexualized. If you pay attention to [the Django Jane choreography], I have moments where I’m literally revealing the nipple and then, I’m covering up the nipple,” McWilliams continued. “The very first movement, the hands are down and up, down and up. Then, they look to the left and the right. It’s saying, ‘I’m watching you over here look at me on the left and you looking at me on the right.’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @thetourtales on



“I did that on purpose. As women, they are allowed to be in control of their bodies. They are allowed to decide, ‘I want to be risqué if I want to be or I want to be sexual if I want to be. It’s my body. I can do what I want to do. I can cover myself when I want to cover myself up.’”

Alexander Jacques is the playback engineer for Monáe and is responsible for making sure the visuals on the screen during her performances match up with the song cues. If a finger snaps on a record and you see the sound paired perfectly with the visual at that moment, that’s thanks to Jacques’ meticulous time coding. His magic can be found in the very same “Django Jane” performance. Where McWilliams made sure the dancers’ moves matched the vision, Jacques made sure the visuals matched the dancers’ moves.

He told REVOLT TV: “If you notice, the black silhouettes are actually moving along with the actual live dancers onstage. That has to be time coded with the backing track and the lighting. If you go back to the video, you’ll see the black silhouette posing and doing the exact same dance moves as the actual live dancers. That’s where my time coding came in.”

The time slot at Coachella prevented Monáe from putting on her usual 90-minute show. Monáe’s tour manager, Jeff Cohran, told REVOLT TV after the performance that the sheer ambitious nature of her Coachella set — 18 dancers, a live band, and large stairs — required more preparation than the average performer at the festival.

“In an ideal world, we may load in for four or five hours and then, soundcheck for two hours. At Coachella, we were fortunate on the schedule to be able to have a few hours in the morning to load our stage and soundcheck. A lot of the other acts were kind of going on the fly.”

If the story Monáe was acting out during her Coachella performance was a battle cry for unity among women, it was punctuated by a surprise dance party between Monáe, and female rappers Lizzo and Tierra Whack. Monáe’s road manager, Reneeka Rae, says Lizzo’s involvement was planned the week of Coachella, while Whack’s inclusion was decided on the day of the performance.



After her show ended, Monáe celebrated with her team backstage and headed to a few parties including Idris Elba’s DJ set at Art of the Wild, which took place at the decadent Zenyara Estate. But, her and her team are ready for Coachella once again this coming weekend.

“I thought that she came off the stage and she knew that we just kicked Coachella’s ass,” Jacques said with a hearty laugh. “From where I was sitting, I could tell she knew we kicked Coachella’s ass and we’re ready for weekend two, as well.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by “JEMEL”McWilliams (@jemelmcwilliams) on


More from Keith Nelson, Jr.:

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Quincy Brown and Romeo Miller bring a little brotherly love to the latest episode of “Receipts”

The acting duo exchanges comedic jabs en route to revealing Tyler Clark’s hidden talent.

  /  09.12.2023

How Angela Yee found more to her life's purpose beyond the microphone

Check out six insightful gems that Angela Yee dropped on “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels.”

  /  09.13.2023

Quincy Brown vs. Romeo Miller | ‘Receipts’

On this episode of “Receipts,” Romeo Miller competes against host Quincy Brown to unveil shoppers’ hidden passions. Presented by Walmart.

  /  09.12.2023

Angela Yee talks "The Breakfast Club," growing up in Brooklyn & interning for Wu-Tang Clan | ‘The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels’

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint,” host and REVOLT CEO Detavio Samuels welcomes Angela Yee to discuss growing up in Brooklyn, interning for Wu-Tang Clan, “The Breakfast Club,” and curating her own show. Presented by LIFEWTR.

  /  09.12.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

Jordyn Woods talks prioritizing authenticity, her brand & saying, "No" | 'Assets Over Liabilities'

On this episode of “Assets Over Liabilities,” Jordyn Woods welcomes hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings to her headquarters to discuss expanding Woods by Jordyn, prioritizing authenticity throughout her brand promotions, not talking about money with friends, being patient, and saying, “No.” Watch here!

  /  08.09.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

7 Atlanta residents reveal what they’re most excited about for the first-ever REVOLT WORLD

“I love music and media and thoroughly enjoy observing panels,” one person said. “Also…I love to see our artists performing, so I’ll definitely be in attendance to see Babyface Ray perform!”

  /  09.05.2023

Kickin' Facts with Legendary Lade | Clarks Originals x MAYDE WORLDWIDE Wallabee “Pacific Blue”

LA native and designer Aleali May teams up with Clarks Originals for a new collaboration.

  /  08.21.2023

Happy 50th birthday, hip hop! A letter celebrating and thanking you on your big day

Happy 50th anniversary, hip hop. You’re on a tier where no tears should ever fall. My hope is that the millions of us forever enriched by your glory of the past 50 years continue to endure and inspire in your name over the next 50. 

  /  08.11.2023

Scotty ATL is achieving longevity with grillz by staying ahead of the curve

“I built my own lane… I’m just educating myself on a daily basis,” he told REVOLT in this exclusive interview for Black Business Month. Read up!

  /  08.16.2023

Pride was the theme of the night at the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards

“This marks an important historic moment,” Wyclef Jean exclusively told REVOLT. “The Caribbean Music Awards created a bridge to unify all Caribbean artists and show the world that [we] are strong in numbers, as well as leaders of the culture.”

  /  09.05.2023

Web3 | Willow Smith's groundbreaking honor as the first-ever RIAA NFT plaque recipient

This groundbreaking chapter in Willow Smith’s journey signifies innovation at the intersection of Web3 and the music industry. Read up!

  /  09.01.2023

Doechii pays homage to hip hop icons and talks pushing the boundaries of music genres

Ahead of hip hop’s 50th birthday, Doechii sat with REVOLT for an exclusive interview and talked about her upcoming tour with Doja Cat, love for Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj, some of her favorite rap albums and much more. Read up!

  /  08.04.2023

Jaylen Brown: Hip hop has been an essential part of my growth as an athlete

Ahead of hip hop’s 50th birthday, REVOLT sat down with NBA star Jaylen Brown to discuss his career, the South’s impact on rap, the importance of Black media outlets and so much more. Read up!

  /  08.02.2023

Halftime Report | How Rucker Park culture transformed the legacies of hip hop and basketball

The late Greg Marius played matchmaker between basketball and hip hop, and the marriage is still going strong. In honor of hip hop’s 50th birthday, read our latest “Halftime Report” below.

  /  08.09.2023

Web3 | Ice Cube's BIG3 league is centering innovative ownership opportunities within sports

“Ownership holds a lot of weight. It’s about reaping the rewards of your hard work, having a say in how things roll,” Ice Cube tells REVOLT in this “Web3” exclusive about giving fans a piece of the BIG3 pie.

  /  08.18.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes