The Buku Music + Art Project is the most lit festival in New Orleans — and I stand by that statement. Every year, thousands on thousands of young, EDM, hip-hop, and indie rock fans gather on the grounds of Mardi Gras World to partake in a true lituation. And the lineup is always bomb. This year, SZA, Migos, and Jay Electronica performed, just to name a few… of my faves.
It seemed like nothing could go right during BUKU. From SZA collapsing, to Uzi Vert straight bailing on his performance, ’twas a wild weekend. Here’s what happened:
SZA collapses onstage in the middle of her set.
Ever since I heard SZA featured on D.R.A.M.‘s “Caretaker,” I was a fan. This was my first time seeing her perform, so I was stoked AF. Not only is SZA‘s album Crtl already deemed a classic, but it literally stays streaming on my Spotify. My girl Solana graced us with her presence and the BUKU crowd went cray. She belted all the faves, too. “Supermodel,” “Broken Clocks,” “Normal,” “Wavy,” — all my shit! She also performed “Go Gina,” while scenes from the classic 90s sitcom, Martin, played in the background. Too, too lit.
But it was when SZA performed the Travis Scott-featured hit, “Love Galore,” that things went left. Throughout her performance, the singer kept complaining about her breathing (something about the air, idk). Moments after she was dancing to Travis Scott‘s rap, SZA ran off stage and, from what it looked like, collapsed. The lights went out and that was the end of her set. I didn’t even get to hear “The Weekend.” Tf?
SZA later took to Twitter and blamed the fall on her ankles. “ummm my ankles r worthless lmao” she tweeted. “Sorry Buku! We was finna hit tha weekend n allat! promise I come back n do it right !!! Love u thank u for having me!! #NOLA.”
Migos shows up late AF
(The three) Migos felt no remorse when they showed up more than 45 minutes late to BUKU. Not only were Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff tardy to their own party, but when they finally arrived, they proceeded to play a very quick 25-minute set. At this point, I just thought I was getting punk’d.
The group ran through hits “Bad and Boujee,” “Stir Fry,” “Walk It Talk It” and “Motorsport.” Though it was very short-lived, it was nothing short of lit!
Jay Electronica gives NOLA artists a chance to shine
Jay Electronica showed nothing but love during his entire performance. Taking us back to the true essence of hip-hop with his lyricism, Jay kept the crowd and himself hype AF. Throughout his performance, he kept getting closer and closer with the crowd. At one point, the man was standing on people. Like, seriously.
Jay paid homage to the late, great J Dilla, old school New Orleans bounce, and local aspiring artists. In the middle of his show, Jay Electronica invited a ton of fans on stage. He performed with the onstage crowd before taking a break to shine the light on NOLA artists. The Uptown legend then closed out his BUKU show with his classic underground hit and my forever fave, “Exhibit C.”
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