The 2016-obsession may have some degree of credibility. The year that ushered in the infamous Snapchat Dog filter, Pokemon GO, and the Mannequin Challenge also cemented the last year that British import (albeit with deep Philadelphia roots), Floetry performed as a duo.
Forming in 1999, Floetry gained success with the release of two albums, Floetry (2002) and Flo’Ology (2005), each serving as swan song nods to the NeoSoul era of R&B. Despite the release of two albums, the duo amassed a cult-like following plus critical acclaim with notable affiliations with acts such as Jill Scott and background writing for the late Michael Jackson; Musically, their style is best described as the union between smoky poetry/melodic hip-hop (Natalie Stewart) and sultry, passionate R&B, courtesy of Marsha Ambrosius.
Creative and personal rifts attributed to their contentious split, but it was the reconciliation and return to music was clearly enjoyed by both parties — now in their late forties, with musical and sisterly wisdom taking the stage, as their current tour stopped at The Anthem on April 22. Prior to their arrival, opening acts Teedra Moses (with guest background vocalist Durand Bennar) and Raheem DeVaughn dished offerings from their catalogue, notably their debuts Complex Simplicity and The Love Experience each have 20 years of timelessness and impact.
Stream The Love Experience by Raheem DeVaughn on Spotify:
Once a moderated technical difficulty was smoothed over, Floetry and its coolness entered the stage—backed by a 5-piece band, the humility and gratitude were felt before they broke into the upbeat number, Fun from Floetic, with Natalie serving as the special and spicy treat, to Marsha’s acrobatic vocals (fit for opera) highs and agilities. The set was a healthy back-and-forth between Natalies spoken work and Marsha’s coos.
Intended or not, the set was a spotlight to their 2002 debut album, evident during Natalies 1:1 reflection with the audience (following “Ms. Stress”) on revisiting the album as grown women and continued reflections (and praise) to DC, with throwback memories to Howard Homecoming and soul food from Ooh’s and Ahh’s of DC. Additional throwbacks featured the beatbox and a capella outro to “Butterflies” (which was written for Michael Jackson). The set ended with the one-two combo of singles (“Say Yes” and “Getting Late”), each audience member singing and teleported to a memory, thought or desire to a special someone.
Watch the official music video for “Say Yes” by Floetry on YouTube:
Hopefully, DC fans will not have to wait until 2036 to see Floetry what is still a missing void, that is the effortless and cool blend of Hip-Hop, RnB, Spoken Word, delivered by two badass women from across the pond.
Here are some photos of Floetry performing live at The Anthem on April 22, 2026. All photos by Tonya Caver!
Here are some photos of Raheem DeVaughn opening Floetry at The Anthem on April 22, 2026. All photos by Tonya Caver!
Here are some photos of Teedres Moses opening Floetry at The Anthem on April 22, 2026. All photos by Tonya Caver.
Here are some photos Clint Coley hosting the show! Thanks again to Tonya Caver.
Outstanding reporting -transported me to the concert and the early 2000’s!! ✊