Words by Your Local Hok RnB soul artist and proud indigenous and Tongan woman Prinnie Stevens transports you to a 1940’s jazz and blues club in New Orleans to perform an evening of significant women of colour singing the blues and pain away. From Billie to Beyonce, Stevens takes us back in time to the likes of Billie Holiday, Etta Fitzgerald, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Whitey Houston. You are given a brief history in to each artist, highlighting their strength and perseverance to fight for women’s rights and freedoms in their respected eras. Lady Sings the Blues also gives you an insight in to Stevens’ singing and songwriting career. From singing gospel in church in her early days, towards moving to circular music, Stevens explains the internal and external difficulties when she moved towards mainstream music. When you combine the piano, double bass, and Stevens’ vocals, her performances are absolutely world class. They are smooth, full of soul, and will move you and your rhythm. The way in which she embodies the meaning and message of each song is truly breathtaking. The glitz, glamour, and shimmer of the stage and her dress complete the overall experience of the show as well. Contrasting with the opening song of Lady Sings the Blues, It’s a Man’s Man’s world by Etta James, to the closing stages where Stevens’ performs Freedom by Beyonce convey the triumph and progression of women’s rights, particularly for women of colour. However, fear is still present in the world, especially when Stevens’ dives deep in to the existence of war and racism still. Prinnie Stevens in Lady Sings the Blues is the definition of a classy show. It will be appreciated by many generations and audiences to come in future. Rating: ★★★★★