Bryan, Anytza, Pink Sweat$

PinkSweat$ – Boch Center – Feb 17th 2025 

by Anytza Delgado, WERS – Urban Coordinator

The Boch Center in Boston was transformed into a soulful living room as Pink Sweat$—Daniel Bowden—took the stage for his “Welcome Home Tour.” Born in West Philly and raised in a deeply religious household, Bowden’s early years weren’t typical for an R&B singer. Pink was only allowed to listen to Christian music until he was 17. Onstage in Boston, he was a cry from the life he was raised in. His journey, including his time experiencing homelessness contributed to the artist he is today. During this challenging period, Pink Sweat$ was born: a name derived from a pair of pink sweatpants that were the only ones in his size and a mic gifted to him by his best friend and bass player, who believed in his vision and artistry.

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More than just overcoming adversity, Pink Sweat$ is on a mission to bring “love” back to the forefront of R&B. He’s part of a movement that wants to elevate vulnerability, compassion, and connection—the kind of universal love, not just the type we see on screen. This tour and this show reflected that—he provided his audience with an open invitation into his world, where honesty and emotional depth are at the core.

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The evening began with the opener Aqyila, whose performance was an exercise in vulnerability and depth. The crowd was immediately swept into her world, where honesty and raw emotion collided with soulful melodies. Aqyila’s smooth yet powerful voice was like a warm invitation into her personal space. With lyrics like “I speak my words but with a pen,” Aqyila sang about self-discovery and journaling. A standout, buoyed by the rhythmic beauty of the percussion by pianist and Framingham local Bryan Abreu and his stunning piano chords. There was a delicate intimacy in Aqyila’s delivery, one that felt almost like listening to someone read aloud from their journal. It was a beautiful and sultry set, the kind of music that makes you want to get lost in its honest narrative. Aqyila’s Caribbean roots, especially on an Afrobeat-influenced track, reminded us that sensuality doesn’t have to be shallow—it can be rooted, honest, and reflective. She even offered a sly anthem of independence, channeling Ari Lennox, telling a past lover that she’s sexy on her own and has found peace in her solitude. Aqyila has a way of drawing you in, and she did so effortlessly.

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Then came Pink Sweat$, who took the stage with that effortlessly cool ease that defines him. Dressed in purple sweatpants, a black hoodie, and pink sunglasses, Pink immediately set the tone; over the next two hours, he didn’t just perform—he created an atmosphere. His setlist, filled with fan favorites like “Honesty,” “At My Worst,” and “Bloom,” felt like a blend of nostalgia and intimacy. Pink Sweat$’s music is simple yet profound, the kind of songs you want to put on repeat while having deep conversations with friends. His smooth falsetto was in top form, but his quiet confidence and grounded energy stood out. There was no pretense—just a man sharing his heart with anyone who would listen.

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For a moment, Pink made us all feel like his friends. During “Would You,” he invited the entire crowd to rise. He declared, “What’s for me is for me”—a message of empowerment, self-belief, and resilience that resonated deeply. The affirmation made the room feel less like an audience and more like a community. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more intimate, he called for couples to get up and dance. The simplicity of it—a private little dance party for two in the middle of a concert hall—was one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, an honest portrayal of the intimacy that runs throughout his music.

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Pink’s performance was as much about the people around him as his music. His band was an integral part of the night, and Pink made sure to give them their moment to shine. During “Only A Fool,” a song he admitted to forgetting he’d written, each band member had a solo moment, showcasing their impressive talents. I must note that Pink’s best friend and brother are musicians in his band, making it a true family affair. Pink clearly has a deep respect for the musicians who support him, and it is easy to see that this respect is mutual. In fact, the band’s energy—combined with Pink’s humility—made the night feel like a genuine collaborative effort.

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One of the evening’s more playful and spontaneous moments came when Pink surprised the audience with a medley of old-school hits. He pulled out “One Wish” by Ray J, “Let Me Love You” by Mario, and “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. The crowd went wild, clapping along and doing the Electric Slide. WERS Urban Coordinator Bryan found himself further in Pink’s atmosphere when he was plucked from the crowd to dance onstage with Pink and the band. There were so many moments like this throughout the show, where Pink pulled us into his world— like when he gave $20 to several audience members for gas money; a small moment but a big reminder that for all his talent and success. Pink Sweat$ hasn’t forgotten his roots — a world where classic R&B reigns and the joy of dancing and community is just as important as the music itself.

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Throughout the night, Pink Sweat$ effortlessly shifted between his catalog of soulful hits, with songs like “Coke and Henny Pt. 2” and his latest “Coffee” as fan favorites. His voice remained smooth and velvety, and the live band’s performance was top-notch, elevating each song to another level. The chemistry between Pink and the band was palpable—each member played a vital role in bringing Pink’s vision to life. When Pink performed “Call Me,” a song he hadn’t performed in years, it felt like a rediscovery, an intimate gift to his most dedicated fans.

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Pink left us with his classic hit “Honesty” and a heartfelt encore of “I Feel Good” as the night wound down. There’s something magnetic about Pink Sweat$—an aura of ease that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret, a shared moment between friends. When fellow Urban Coordinator Bryan and I met him backstage, Pink greeted us warmly, as if we were friends he hadn’t seen in a while. In an industry where they often say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” Pink Sweat$ blows up that phrase because he is as humble and kind as they come. His “Welcome Home Tour” wasn’t just a performance but an invitation into his life, heart, and journey. While collaborations with artists like Jessie Reyez, Kehlani, and Tori Kelly have earned him his place in the R&B landscape—it’s his authenticity, his realness, and his mission to bring love back to the genre that will keep him there for years to come. For now, though, he’s home, and it’s clear that his music is where we all belong.