There was a moment in the middle of Mary J. Blige’s Sydney Opera House gig that said it all.
The stage had gone dark and silent. The 46-year-old stood tall in the spotlight and with arms raised and biceps clenched, breathlessly said: “I’m still here.”
Blige’s quarter-century career is still going strong. Only last month she released ‘Love Yourself’ featuring Kanye West, a single signalling her continued relevance in music.
The track, from forthcoming album Strength Of A Woman, kicked off the show, swiftly followed by a song from a decade earlier, ‘Just Fine’. Then hit followed hit in a relentless ’90s medley – including ‘You Bring Me Joy’, ‘Love Is All We Need’, ‘Real Love’, ‘Love No Limit’ – Blige’s seven-piece backing band conjuring the vibe of the era for the swaying crowd.
Blige can move. She is still the fashion icon in side-split bodysuit, thigh-high boots and blonde bob. She can hit every note and how.
The songs then got raw – ‘Enough Cryin’, ‘I Can Love You’, ‘Don’t Mind’ – before Blige grabbed a chair and took a seat, centre stage.
She spoke to the fellas. Then she spoke to the queens. She told everyone that it is not cool to slap another person around. “I have expertise in these sort of things,” she said.
It is no secret that Blige has seen some tough times and toxic relationships. She is currently going through a very messy and very public divorce. “I’m in the thick of it right now,” she told the crowd. “But I’ve seen the light”.
The admission made the rest of the set all the more powerful. ‘Share My World’ was followed by the defiant ‘Take Me As I Am’ and ‘Good Woman Down’. Blige then introduced her band members from off stage, giving each bars to shine. And they did.
A costume change later and Blige returned with the sun-drenched ‘My Life’ and Rose Royce cover ‘I’m Going Down’. Then new ones ‘U + Me (Love Lesson)’ and ‘Thick Of It’ before the climax.
‘Not Gon’ Cry’ and ‘No More Drama’ produced an outburst of emotion from the singer who staggered across the stage, seemingly overcome with painful memories that eventually left her flat on her back.
But you can’t keep Blige down. Finishing with a joyous rendition of trademark ‘Family Affair’, let there be no doubt: Blige is still here. And stronger than ever.
Mary J. Blige was reviewed at the Sydney Opera House on Monday April 10. Main photo by Ashley Mar.
