COLORS: TONES of NYC (Real Recap)
On October 11th, I had the privilege of attending COLORS' ‘TONES OF NYC’ event at the Knockdown Center, a night dedicated to celebrating musical diversity and creativity. The event featured a stacked lineup consiting of chlothegod, Bellah, Mustafa the Poet and Moses Sumney. Each artist provided their own tonal soundx that captivated the audience from start to finish. Unfortunately, I missed the opening set from chlothegod, but learned from my friend Isa Reyes that she delivered an electrifying performance. According to Isa, chlo brought an unmistakable energy that set the tone for the evening, which says a lot considering that she was only able to catch her final song.
When Bellah took the stage, she brought a slice of the UK’s flourishing R&B scene to New York. Dressed in a striking black-and-white painted coat, Bellah’s style and confidence were on full display. Her stage presence was magnetic, her vocals rich and soulful, and she injected a dose of humor while transitioning between songs, making her performance feel both intimate and engaging. Watching Bellah perform, I couldn’t help but reflect on the current state of R&B—some of the genre’s finest music is being made in the UK, and Bellah is clearly part of that movement. She spoke candidly about how UK artists are striving to make their mark in the US, a sentiment that resonated deeply given the challenges of crossing over into the American market. To showcase her versatility, Bellah also performed a smooth Afrobeats track, effortlessly blending different influences into her set and demonstrating her wide-ranging talent.
After Bellah’s set, the atmosphere took a notable shift with Mustafa The Poet's performance, which was aptly poetic. Mustafa's composure on stage was mesmerizing, not only in terms of his flawless breath control but also in the emotional depth his lyrics carried. Each word felt like it came straight from his soul, touching on the complexities of his hometown and personal experiences. What struck me most was his bold statement that music cannot escape political associations, as artists have a personal responsibility to amplify voices of virtue and truth. Mustafa’s message was powerful, reminding us that music has always been a vehicle for social commentary. His sound was equally as rich as his words, with soft, textured vocals alongside beautifully intricate guitar work. Even while recording or taking photos, I felt entirely present in the moment, completely absorbed by his stunning performance.
The night culminated in a breathtaking headlining performance by Moses Sumney, who delivered a set that can only be described as extraordinary. Sumney’s band was a force of its own, featuring jazz musicians playing trumpets, saxophones, and keyboards, while he himself took to the guitar for a few songs His vocal range was simply unparalleled—effortlessly switching between high and low pitches that appeared breathless. In terms of presence, Sumney moved gracefully across the stage, integrating choreographed dances while simultaneously composing live, directing his band to follow his lead. His connection with the crowd was undeniable, with audience members clapping and cheering at moments that typically wouldn’t warrant applause, a testament to the sheer impact of his overall performance.
Reflecting on the evening, I’m incredibly grateful to Jonas Weber for personally inviting me to this unforgettable event. COLORS, once again, proved why it remains one of the most culturally important platforms today. By curating these life-changing experiences for creatives, artists, and audiences alike, COLORS continues to push the boundaries of live music and inspire meaningful connections through genre-less sound and performance. ‘TONES OF NYC’ was not just a concert—it was a testament to the power of music to unite people, showcase global talent, and curate memorable moments of pure, unfiltered emotion.