Concert Review: PHAROS

A month ago Childish Gambino’s unique festival PHAROS came to New Zealand for a 1-night experience over 3 days. The festival was essentially first advertised to be a secret location, however as the first night came around it was revealed to have been at the same place where Splore Festival is held, Tapapakanga Park. Sadly the weather didn’t hold out very well, turning the park into a mud bath but that didn’t stop people from attending. There were even people who had traveled from overseas to experience PHAROS as it was only the 2nd time this festival has ever happened. Pharos is advertised as a VR experience but it was also a festival with a range of food vendors, merchandise (only limited to the festival) and a screening area.

The main part of the festival was where you enter into a dome where you hear Childish Gambino perform a large amount of music with visuals projected all around you. Gambino wanted to make sure you really took in everything so phones were sealed in YONDR pouches which meant punters could hold their phones but they could not access them. They were then unlocked upon exiting. The white dome seemed so intriguing as people really didn’t know what to expect. You entered the dome through a revolving door. This was done to supposedly keep the dome inflated. Though it made for a slow entry and exit, it seemed to help stagger people rushing in to get a good spot.

There was no bars, food or toilets in the dome. To access any of this you had to do so outside the dome, which is a bit risky in a hot enclosed area but at the same time, there is so much technology and limited space I can understand why they didn’t have it. The lights went out and the show began. The stage was a round stage in the centre of the dome. Gambino’s band wrapped around the centre of it with Gambino, his dancers and his choir circling around the stage as they performed. I have to say I admired Gambino’s choice on who to have on stage with him. There were people of all shapes, sizes, and colours. I say that as I feel like not a lot of artists do this as much. It’s as though there’s an image to have with your performance. I take it most of you have seen his video for the incredible yet controversial track This Is America. Well, that’s how Gambino was dressed. No top and tan-coloured pants. He performs very passionately. The movements and facial expressions you see in that video are how he performs. Gambino really feels what he is saying and it’s incredible. Now the visuals. They were a mix of strings lights and projections. Some of the projections I saw were:

* Space & Galaxy

* DNA molecules

* The forest followed by a burning forest

* The ocean

* UFO & shooting stars

* Old houses & buildings (This is America)

Some of the tracks he performed were:

* Algorithm

* All Night (new track)

* Summertime Magic

* Saturday (new song)

* This Is America

* IV

* Sweatpants

* Redbone

Childish Gambino wanted to make sure it was a positive and inclusive place in the dome. He let the crowd know they shouldn’t be afraid to dance and enjoy themselves whether they were with friends or by themselves. He even told the crowd to turn to the person next to them and tell them their lovely.

It really was a creative, spiritual and fun experience for all. There’s one thing he said that I still remember which was “Life is how true you can be to yourself”.

Upon departure, the crowd was able to head down to the area outside with a large screen and view the trailer for his new film Guava Island starring Rhianna. This was not public yet but became public after the festival via the videos punters captured on their phone. I know some people probably questioned whether it was worth the $200 ticket price and I have to say yes, yes it was