VanJess and Masego Steal the Show

Photos & Write up by Francis Shad

Ivana and Jess, a Nigerian-American R&B duo that go by VanJess, are a force to be reckoned with. They have been named the sister act on the rise by Vogue magazine. Some of their musical inspirations are strong black women like Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, and Whitney Houston who have paved the way for the music that they are creating now. Their sultry and smooth voices filled the room with great energy and soothing tunes while opening for Masego last Thursday night in DC at the U St. Music Hall.

It’s clear that VanJess has something to say as they sing about their romantic experiences, setting boundaries with men, and knowing their limits as women in this world. On their songs “Through Enough” and “Honeywheat” to name a few, they demand to be treated with respect like the queens that they are.

VanJess delivers these messages and many more in a sensual way on their debut album Silk Canvas. You can buy or stream the album on all streaming platforms now.

Masego also stole the show last Thursday at the U St. Music Hall. The “traphousejazz” artist released his debut album early this year and his third stop on his tour was Washington, DC. The energy in the room was completely out of this world and his fans knew each song word for word.

Whether he is singing about his vision and love for independent, driven women in his song “I Had a Vision,” or praising women of all different shades on his song “Queen Tings,” Masego seems to have a reoccurring theme of uplifting women on his album Lady Lady, which we love. We love to see a femme uplifting man in this day in age. 

Masego’s album can be bought and/or streamed on all streaming platforms now.