The renowned Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia—an iconic venue that encompasses Center Stage, Vinyl, and The Loft—is celebrated for its diverse lineup of artists and its commitment to showcasing local talent. In 2022, the theater hosted one of the most remarkable performances of the year: JUNNY's "blanc" Tour at The Loft. A little more than two years have passed, and JUNNY has made his way back to The Loft in Atlanta during his highly anticipated "dopamine" Tour.
It's always exciting when an artist returns to a city, they have previously toured. On November 9, 2024, the Korean Canadian singer-songwriter made his long-awaited return to fans in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Known for his exceptional songwriting abilities, JUNNY has gained significant recognition as an artist who skillfully blends rap and hip-hop elements into his soulful R&B sound, catering to a diverse audience across various genres. Making his debut in 2017 with his EP, ‘Monochrome,’ JUNNY's talent has garnered attention within the industry, leading to collaborations with artists such as Jay B, Yelloasis, GEMINI, Peniel, and others. Joined by some of Atlanta's very own local artists, Hohyun, and DJ DAUL, The Loft served as the ideal venue for this exhilarating combination of power and soul that was about to fill the stage.
Opening the performance lineup was Atlanta's very own FORTY. Joined by DJ Ron.E, FORTY showcased his distinctive musical style that is a fusion of his heritage and experiences in Atlanta. His music not only serves as a reflection of his personal journey but also a blend that defines his artistic expression. With each note, FORTY seamlessly weaves together elements of his roots and the urban vibes, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself. Performing tracks from his recent July release 'LUVFR,' including "X," FORTY transformed the venue from a concert hall into a vibrant club night filled with energy and excitement. As the night progressed, FORTY welcomed his friend and colleague, B.K, to join him on stage for a dynamic performance of "Anything You Like," further elevating the atmosphere and leaving the audience in awe of their musical chemistry.
Next to take the stage was the talented RnB artist, Hohyun. Transitioning from the realm of filmmaking to the world of music, Hohyun marked his triumphant return to Atlanta as one of the supporting acts for JUNNY's highly anticipated 'dopamine' Tour. Following the electrifying performance by FORTY, Hohyun effortlessly carried the momentum forward, captivating the audience with his irresistible beats and lyrics that resonated deeply with fans. In a candid moment, Hohyun opened up to attendees about his personal struggles with anxiety and depression, shedding light on his introverted nature which came as a surprise to many newer fans. On stage, Hohyun's raw and emotional delivery drew the audience into his world, allowing them to witness a carefree nature and release of his innermost feelings and vulnerabilities through his soulful performances including performances of"Sunset Boulevard" and "Cast Iron."
As Hohyun bid his farewell, Korean producer and DJ DAUL took the stage! Renowned for his unparalleled and infectious beats harmonizing with soul-stirring melodies, this dynamic singer-songwriter and DJ emerged onto the scene in 2019 with the sensational release of "In Touch." DJ DAUL embarked on a mission to elevate the audience's energy with spellbinding mixes that seamlessly blended chart-topping hits with his own signature style. From spinning T Pain's "Whatever You Like" to Bruno Mars' "What I Like" and Cardi B's "Up," DAUL had the crowd belting out every lyric in unison! Just as the anticipation reached its peak, DAUL teased the intro to "RUSH," igniting a frenzy of exhilarating cheers from the ecstatic attendees!
JUNNY absolutely electrified the JUNNIVERSE (the fandom's official name) right from the first note, sending everyone into a frenzy with his dynamic stage presence that surpassed even his 2022 appearance! His fierce dance moves, seamless interaction with the crowd, and unforgettable performance left everyone in awe. The sheer versatility of JUNNY was not only visible but noticeable in the raw emotions that poured out through his vocals, rap verses, and the lyrics of his latest album, 'dopamine.' After an exhilarating show, JUNNY took a moment to express his gratitude to Atlanta for their unwavering support, promising an incredible night ahead for all in attendance! JUNNY kept the momentum going with his 2020 hit (featuring pH-1), "AURA," igniting the crowd with fan chants and sing-alongs that shook the venue. DJ DAUL flawlessly transitioned from "AURA" to another track from 'dopamine,' "TASTE," which only heightened the crowd's excitement. JUNNY's passionate dance moves only fueled the crowd further, with cheers and screams of excitement echoing throughout the venue. The audience belted out the beginning of the chorus, "I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU TASTE!" in perfect unison, creating an electric atmosphere. Riding high on this energy, JUNNY smoothly moved on to his next performance, "EARLY," before showcasing his versatility with back-to-back fan-favorites, "Not About You" and "Optimist." JUNNIVERSE filled the venue with their voices, making the lyrics heard far and wide. JUNNY then led the crowd in a resounding shout of "Here We Go Again." After a powerful rendition of "Here We Go Again," JUNNY effortlessly transitioned to his next track, "INVITATION," prompting the attendees to continue singing along with fervor.
Ending the first half of the show, JUNNY paused to affectionately inquire who was experiencing his magic for the first time. A few hands shot up in excitement! Then, he delved deeper, asking who had been by his side for three, four, or even five years! The crowd's excitement grew as JUNNY revealed, "I've brought not just new songs, but older ones as well. If you've been following me for a while, you'll recognize this next song," launching into a soulful rendition of "Trust," followed by the infectious groove of "For The Weekend." The energy was electric! Entering the second half, JUNNY mesmerized fans with his unmatched vocals, serenading the crowd with RnB favorites like "solo," "MOVIE," "By My Side," and "Nostalgia." Before continuing, JUNNY shared intimate details about his 'dopamine' album - a secret tale for lucky attendees.
"After INVITATION, I was struggling to find what I wanted to write for you guys. But what I realized through all of this was that you all give me so much love, no matter what I release. Because of that, I was able to create this album, so thank you."
The next stage, "Complications," was a result of JUNNY just letting go of everything and pouring every piece of him into his latest album.
As JUNNY was about to wrap up his final set, he stumbled upon a group of attendees who were celebrating their birthdays! The crowd erupted in laughter as he teasingly exclaimed, "Now, don't lie, y'all." JUNNY excitedly gathered the names of five birthday celebrants at his concert - Janiyah, Lariyah, Sia, Jenny, and even added Melanie at the end. Playfully struggling to recall Lariyah's name, he showcased his knack for remembering names. The audience then joyfully joined JUNNY in a heartwarming rendition of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" for the birthday girls before diving into a captivating acapella performance. Launching into the acapella segment, JUNNY reminisced about a fan's request for "Darling" during a meet-and-greet, which he gladly sang along with other fan requests, concluding with a snippet of "Say (feat. Tobias Dray)." JUNNY then mesmerized the crowd with a soulful rendition of "Promise," before seamlessly blending "Color Me" and "Daylight."
The atmosphere turned magical as JUNNY encouraged fans to illuminate the venue with their phone flashlights as he serenaded them with "figure8," and ending the night in a heartfelt performance of "Thank You," -- dedicated to not only his fans, but anyone who has supported him along his journey. Before bidding farewell, JUNNY playfully teased the crowd, saying, "Now, if you shout 'ENCORE!' really loud, I MIGHT come back out on stage and perform a couple more songs." The audience's chants filled the air before JUNNY even left the stage. Returning to thunderous applause, JUNNY urged the fans to lead the way with "INVITATION," igniting the energy to unprecedented heights. His genuine gratitude shone through as he delivered an electrifying performance of "RUSH," showering the crowd with water as they cheered and sang along passionately to every word, creating an unforgettable night for everyone present.
DON'T MISS JUNNY'S FINAL SHOW IN SEATTLE ON NOVEMBER 13TH! TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE HERE!
K Fuse would like to thank the team at Unbound Entertainment for the opportunity to provide coverage for JUNNY's Atlanta stop on his 'dopamine' tour. We would also like to give a BIG shoutout to all the artists and staff members that made this such a memorable night! STAY TUNED FOR OUR PHOTO GALLERY OF ATLANTA'S SHOW -- COMING SOON!
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