Childish Gambino started the first of two consecutive headlining shows at the 2019 Coachella Music and Arts Festival Friday (April 12). The Atlanta star got things started with a short video featuring fans sharing what they love about him and others explaining why they don’t like his music.
Flanked by a full choir, Gambino emerged on stage topless in white slacks and kicked off his set with a performance of “Algorythm.”
“I never thought I’d be right here right now,” he told the crowd. “I’m so happy. Tonight is a special night. I want you guys to feel me tonight. We really need to feel each other tonight.”
His major rule for the night was that fans put their phones down. “This isn’t a concert, this is church,” he added.
Night one of Coachella included performances from Janelle Monae, Anderson Paak, Ella Mai, H.E.R., and Ariana Grande, all of whom will return for week two of the annual festival. Grande, this year’s other big headliner, takes the stage April 14 and April 21, while Gambino returns to perform at Coachella on April 19.
Watch the Coachella live stream below.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bAS_E1D0UXw