After fans sold out Azealia Banks’ first Paris show on April 12, she added a second date the very next night at the Bataclan, and that’s the one I was lucky enough to attend.
But let’s rewind a bit: Azealia Banks is an artist, rapper, and songwriter who blends pop, house, hip-hop, and dance into a sound that’s totally her own. She’s known for pushing boundaries, both musically and culturally, with a style that’s as bold as her online presence.
She first caught the world’s attention with the viral hit “212,” first released on her debut EP 1991 and later featured on her influential debut album Broke with Expensive Taste. Since then, she’s dropped three studio albums and several EPs, amassing over a billion streams and solidifying her place as a fearless, visionary force in modern music.
Her last performance in Paris was back in 2014, so French fans had been waiting over a decade — and the energy in the room showed it.
The night started at 7:45 with the opener, Zaabriskie, a dreamy electronic duo whose music invites you to drift away and explore new horizons.
I’d previously seen them open for Omar Rudberg in February, and they proved once again that they know exactly how to transport a crowd with them. Their set was immersive and elegantly paced, filled with shimmering synths and emotional depth that set the tone for the night. They performed a handful of tracks from their discography, including “To The Beat,” “Grow Distant,” and “Wake Up Call,” each one building a soundscape that gently pulled the crowd into their world. It was the perfect warm-up: smooth, atmospheric, and magnetic.
After a short break, the energy in the room started to build again as a DJ took over the stage around 9 p.m., setting the tone for what was to come. The set was a perfectly curated blend of iconic and high-energy tracks, keeping the crowd moving and hyped.
From Beyoncé’s fierce “PURE/HONEY” to Shay’s hypnotic “Liquide” and the infectious “Ravezinha” by CHAMOS, the mix had the entire venue dancing and singing along. It wasn’t just a warm-up, it felt like a mini party of its own, amping up the anticipation for the main act in the best possible way.
Once the DJ had the crowd fully fired up, Azealia made her grand entrance at 9:40 p.m., opening the show with a powerful trio: “Luxury,” “1991,” and “Fuck Him All Night.” From the very first moment, she had the audience in the palm of her hand. Before launching into each track, she would sing a few lines acappella. It was a beautiful, raw moment of connection, letting everyone hear just how strong her vocals are while the audience echoed every lyric back to her word for word. It set a tone of intimacy and power that carried through the entire performance.
The set itself was relatively short, about an hour long, but every minute was packed with energy and intensity. Azealia ran through a string of fan favorites, including “New Bottega,” “Anna Wintour,” and “The Big Big Beat,” each one hitting with its own distinct vibe and rhythm.
She closed the night with the song everyone had been waiting for: the iconic “212.” As soon as the beat dropped, the entire venue exploded. The crowd gave it their all, screaming every lyric, jumping, dancing… The energy was electric and totally unmatched. It was the perfect high to end a night that felt long overdue for her Parisian fans.
It’s safe to say Azealia’s return to Paris was everything her fans had hoped for: intense, unapologetic, and unforgettable. After more than a decade since her last show in the city, she reminded everyone exactly why she continues to have fans from all over the world. Azealia delivered a night that felt more like a celebration than just a concert. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another ten years for the next one.
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