In October, Jessie Reyez released her second EP Being Human in Public (FMLY, 2018) and kicked off her 3-month (sold out) tour across North America, stopping by New York City’s Irving Plaza on Thanksgiving Eve. Here are our top five reasons to see her live:

1) Jessie Reyez is billed as one of the top 100 streamed artists around the world right now 

It’s not just powerhouse collaborations with the likes of Eminem, Sam Smith and Calvin Harris, Normani and Kehlani, Daniel Caesar, Jonas Blue, etc., it’s smash hits like “Figures” and “Apple Juice” that have earned Reyez this spot. While her role in some of the collaborations is limited to the chorus, Reyez still manages to belt out a few lines from her collaboration on “Nice Guys” during her set (which has earned over 34 million plays on Spotify).

2) Reyez delivers an incredibly raw performance across the board

Reyez brings to stage with her a powerful and very emotional message. She touches on depression, sexual harassment in the music industry, and issues with immigration policy. While they aren’t easy topics to discuss, Reyez does it with stride and dignity–creating a forum for discussion on a much larger scale.

3) Audience engagement is always a top priority

Most of Reyez’s songs don’t require an introduction or a segue between them, but she takes this time to talk with the audience, meditate with them, guide them into making the perfect mosh pit, and even crowd surfs between songs. There is an undeniable intimacy at every show that makes them more than memorable.

4) The merchandise is on point

While it’s not altogether a reason to head to any show, Reyez has some fairly impressive swag at her merchandise booth. Fans can pick up anything from signed vinyl, to handcrafted baseball caps, to the very shirt and hoodie combo she wears on stage. 

5) The fans

The audience at Reyez’s show is loyal, lovable, and full of camaraderie. It’s easy to see that everyone is having an incredible time and the feeling is more than infectious. It clear why/how Reyez was able to sell out her entire tour. There’s no doubt that she will continue to sell out tours at larger venues as appreciation for her talent and message continue to grow.

Be sure to check out Jessie Reyez online at jessiereyez.com and on iTunes.