Omar Apollo Vancouver | Review and Photos

Omar Apollo took Vancouver by storm at Doug Mitchell UBC Thunderbird Arena this past weekend on September 29th and it was a masterful blend of emotional vulnerability and captivating showmanship. 

With rapper Kevin Abstract, an industry vet hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas and most known for being a part of the musical group BROCKHAMPTON bringing energy to the stage to open up the show, fans were in for two great performances. With a 30-minute, intimate set, the rapper played through his many hits including “Peach”, “Empty” and “TEXAS BLUE”, playing out his set with a relatively simple lighting set up and a metal staircase. Filling the 5,000-capacity venue with his stage presence, Abstract’s ability to connect with the audience showed his extensive experience being in the industry, leaving fans buzzing for Omar Apollo to take the stage. 

Right off the bat, Omar Apollo’s performance quality was made evident, using a large sheet that revealed the singer-songwriter as he opened with "Be Careful With Me" from his latest album God Said No, draped in a luxurious fur coat that recalled his MET Gala fame. Joined on stage with 6 dancers, this performance was truly an incredible live show to experience, with these artists turning a seemingly normal concert into a contemporary dance-inspired night. Apollo’s set took the audience through an emotional journey, seamlessly transitioning between heartfelt tracks like "Useless" and the deeply introspective "Done With You." The stage design, choreography, and lighting amplified the emotional depth of his music, with dancers embodying the themes of love, toxicity, and self-reflection that permeate his work. The show’s use of visual metaphors, such as the symbolic white sheet during "While U Can," added layers of meaning to the songs, creating a truly immersive experience.

The energy shifted as Apollo celebrated his roots with Mexican Ranchero-infused songs like "En El Olvido" and "Dos Uno Nueve," additionally connecting with his Latino and LGBTQ+ attendees. This set was well-balanced, with a push and pull between the artist’s high-energy songs such as “Tamagotchi” and his slower, more heartfelt tracks such as “Glow” and “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All)”. His artistry shone brightest in the quieter, more poignant moments, especially as swirling white fabric mirrored the heartbreak in his final track. Yet, he didn't leave the crowd in sorrow, returning for a fan-requested encore of "Go Away" that ended the night on a high. From intricate lighting to thoughtful choreography, Omar Apollo delivered a stunning performance that emotionally moved and exhilarated the audience, showing his true artistry throughout his entire show.

If Omar Apollo wasn’t on your radar before, we highly recommend you catch him on tour if you can. From his vocal range to his incredible knack for dance, this is the work of a true artist who continues to impress and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

Photo Gallery and Review by Kianna Sumitani.