South Korean vocalist Hwasa brought her electrifying Twits Tour to a packed MGM Music Hall in Boston, on what is her first ever tour as a solo artist. The Mamamoo singer, rapper and maknae treated her beloved Twits to an interesting combination of solo and group songs, as well as covers from her most influential artists, providing a full picture of who Hwasa is on her own.
The sea of fans started lining up early, with Mamamoo light sticks in hand and great outfits, despite the colder spring evening. They would be greeted with a red curtain, as they waited for the singer to take over. With the lights quickly going down, she emerged alone in the shadows, kicking things off with “HWASA” and “Chili”. Joined by her dance crew, Hwasa displayed her powerful vocals and sultry moves, making the crowd go crazy with every move: the screaming, singing along, and typical barking were dominating.
The singer also took plenty of time to share her feelings and thoughts with her fans throughout the show, focusing on how much love and warmth she is receiving, and how Boston in particular was a healing city for her. Hwasa also champions confidence and self love, not only in her music, but with her words. This became a common theme, as she expressed when she feels sexy, like a “bad bitch”, but also taking a more introspective approach, elaborating on the obstacles she faced while becoming an artist, stating proudly “what everyone said was impossible, I made it possible”.
From the upbeat “Maria” to the emotional “LMM”, Hwasa was completely in control of the mood at all times, with her intense performance style and compelling candor. After a special pop stage that included songs by Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Britney Spears, she expressed how, even without meeting them, these women were her support and inspiration in her journey as an artist. She would reference another pop legend once again, as she surprised the crowd by walking the floor to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way”, in what would be one of the most impactful moments of the night. Hwasa warmly greeted and hugged as many fans as she could, showing her deep connection with her Twits.
Hwasa incorporated a couple of Mamamoo’s high energy tracks with Tyla’s “Water”, bringing the show to a “close” with the anthemic “I Love My Body”. The curtain may have closed, but she would poke her head back out and return for a performance of Billie Eilish’s “Lunch”, only to continue the party for just a few more minutes, until she reluctantly wrapped up the night. Hwasa’s strong stage presence, harrowing vocals and vulnerability made for an outstanding experience, one that the Boston crowd won’t soon forget.
Photos and words by Maria Alejandra Mata
