Janelle Monáe is headlining this year’s Yardfest! Here’s why we should be excited about this R&B singer coming to campus:

1) Monáe is a true performer. I am convinced of this after seeing her at Coachella last year. From the costumes, to the choreography, to the stunning live singing voice; her whole show is impressive.
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2) While we might not all be familiar with her solo work, it’s difficult to imagine that there’s a student out there who hasn’t heard the chart-topping, Grammy Award winning song of the year “We Are Young” by Fun., featuring Monáe. Maybe she’ll bring Fun. along with her?

3) Being a female superstar, Monáe provides a big contrast with Tyga last year, who was heavily criticized and protested by the student body for his violent and misogynistic lyrics. Here’s to activism making a change. Keep on making those change.org petitions!

4) Unlike so many of today’s pop stars who blend together, Monáe has a truly distinct personal style and aesthetic. She generally sports black and white, minimalist suits, and her classic pompadour style hair.

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5) Check out her studio albums The ArchAndroid and The Electric Lady. If you listen to those vocals and still aren’t excited I don’t know what to say…

So, remain on the look out for date and ticket information! Yardfest has come a long way, from Third Eye Blind in 2007 to Kid Cudi in 2010 to Das Racist in 2012 to Monáe in 2014. This year, not only will the event promise a prime day-drinking opportunity and venue to groove nonchalantly to the beat with your classmates, we can expect a great musical performance by a talented musician. Let’s all welcome Monáe to Harvard by showing up to the event and let her know which after-party or Square restaurant to visit afterwards.

Bonus points if anyone is able to convince Monáe to hang around and come out with them after.