Concert Review: Childish Gambino Transforms the Smoothie King Center into a “New World”

BY JOHN GARCIA

Childish Gambino’s New World Tour stop at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on September 7th, 2024, felt more like an immersive art installation than a traditional concert. The venue, bathed in cascading LED lights and laser beams, became the backdrop for a performance that blended music, theater, and a futuristic aesthetic. Opening with “Algorithm,” Gambino appeared on stage in a space-age outfit, immediately transporting the audience into his visually arresting world.

The setlist spanned his eclectic discography, ranging from the hard-hitting social commentary of “This Is America” to the emotional balladry of “Redbone,” which turned the 17,000-capacity arena into an impromptu choir as fans passionately belted every lyric. The flow of the concert felt like a narrative arc, with Gambino taking the audience on a journey through the various stages of his musical career.

One of the standout moments of the night came during a mid-set performance of “3005,” where Gambino moved between soulful falsettos and rap verses with fluid ease. His ability to switch seamlessly between genres — from R&B to hip-hop to experimental sounds — was on full display, leaving fans in awe of his versatility. Tracks like “Sober” and “Telegraph Ave.” maintained an intimacy despite the grandiosity of the venue, showcasing Gambino’s ability to hold the audience in the palm of his hand, no matter the scale of the performance.

New Orleans, known for its rich musical heritage, felt like the perfect city for a performer like Gambino to push the boundaries of what a live show can be. His visuals, ranging from abstract shapes to futuristic cityscapes, coupled with his impassioned dance moves, added to the performance’s otherworldly feel. While Gambino didn’t engage much in casual banter with the crowd, his focus and energy were palpable, creating a unique concert experience that felt as much about emotional connection as it was about entertainment.

Toward the end of the night, Gambino revisited tracks from his earlier works, including “Bonfire” and “Freaks and Geeks,” giving long-time fans a nostalgic nod to the start of his career. This section of the show saw Gambino at his most animated, with the crowd feeding off his energy. His performance of “This Is America” was perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening. As the crowd chanted the chorus, the politically charged anthem took on new weight in the live setting, reaffirming the song’s cultural significance.

Gambino ended the night with “Lithonia,” a haunting track from his latest album, New World, that left the audience in a reflective mood. As the final notes echoed through the arena, it became clear that this was not just a concert but a statement—a farewell of sorts from an artist who has consistently defied expectations. Fans exited the Smoothie King Center with the realization that they had just witnessed something extraordinary, a performance that pushed the boundaries of live music and reinforced Childish Gambino’s legacy as a trailblazing artist.

For New Orleans, a city steeped in musical innovation, Gambino’s performance was a fitting tribute to its traditions while pointing toward the future of live entertainment. If this truly marks the end of Gambino’s touring career, his New Orleans show was a triumphant, genre-bending goodbye that will be remembered for years to come.