In part of Harrisburg’s weeklong Juneteenth celebration, Zeddy Will headlined a jubilant concert at the city’s Capital Music Hall.
As Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg has a longstanding relationship with the holiday, commemorating the day the last enslaved Black Americans learned they were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation. Pennsylvania was the first state to take legislative action to end slavery.
“It was definitely important for me to come out, especially for a Juneteenth event. I knew there would be a lot of kids out here having a good time, and I wanted to be part of that,” explained the musical prodigy and content creator from Queensbridge, New York, whose viral social media presence and hit records have made him one of the most recognizable young artists emerging in hip-hop. “I’ve never been to Harrisburg before, so this is my first time here. Being able to come to a new city and do something I love is a great feeling.”
Known for his energetic live sets and enthusiastic crowd engagement, Zeddy Will showcased why he has won over young hip-hop fans in Harrisburg, as well as nationwide.
“I would say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. Consistency is what got me to where I am today. I’ve seen what happens when I stop being consistent—things don’t always go my way. Staying focused and continuing to put in the work from the beginning is what helped me get here. For me, consistency is everything.”
Other performers of the night included ART@WAR/Warner Records artist Honey Bxby, an Asbury Park, New Jersey-born singer-songwriter whose blend of raw R&B, rap-influenced delivery, and confessional writing has made her one of the music scene’s most popular new acts. The BET Amplified artist performed her biggest singles, including “Touchin'” and “Left Eye,” with each having over 6 million streams on Spotify alone.
Baltimore-born rapper Lady Shakespeare gave one of the night’s most exhilarating performances with her distinctive blend of hip-hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, and Afro-beats. After witnessing her sound check before the show, she is definitively one of the most energetic indie fusion acts we’ve come across in quite some time. Her commanding stage presence and exceptional showmanship are captivating, leaving a lasting impression that elevates her performance to an unforgettable experience.
Her cousin, Real Lituation, who wrote and performed her original tribute to Juneteenth, proved that talent runs in the family as she kept the crowd captivated throughout her set.
Hip-hop legend and special guest performer Keith Murray also hit the stage, demonstrating to the younger crowd that outstanding talent like his doesn’t fade with time. At age 52, the former Def Squad member proved he still has a lot more to give his longtime fans and new younger listeners.
Promoter and YPOC member Yanni Williams of Power Choice Productions, the concert’s driven organizer, passionately conveyed the significance of participating in an event that celebrates Juneteenth, considering what it means to Black Americans.
“It means a plethora of different things. But the main idea is reimagining how we create—not necessarily recreate, but show the foundation of where it began—by breaking the chains and making champions. This includes not only celebrating Black excellence but also educating our people on the true essence of our history, rather than whitewashing or ignoring it. We are identifying it, representing it, and valuing it. At this moment, we know we are built for this moment, and we are moving forward into the future.”
Photos By Club Kng Photography & Nite Look
