Dua Saleh’s Homecoming at the Fine Line

On Sunday, February 16, Dua Saleh ended her tour with a homecoming show at the Fine Line. They were supported by local acts Soulflower and Xina. 

Soulflower

Starting off the show was Soulflower, a Minneapolis-based band that coined the term “electro-soul” when describing their sound. Formed in 2023, the group blends alternative, neo-soul, r&b and funk – and spent the evening playing songs from their recently released EP “SETLIST.”

Soulflower's performance was dynamic –switching from fiery raw energy to smooth and soulful melodies. The blossoming band has been growing more and more since I caught one of their shows last January. 

XINA

Up next was XINA, a multidisciplinary artist who brought a whole new meaning to the word “performance.”  Her goal isn’t just to perform music. When XINA is on the stage, she is creating an experience for her audience. 

With a background in dancing, Her movements were fluid yet precise, enhancing the emotional depth of each song. XINA was not glued to the stage. She glided across the stage and gazed into the crowd as if she were connecting with the sea of eyes fixated on her. 

Her music blends intensity and vulnerability with a sophisticated mystique, resulting in genre-bending compositions that pull you into her performance. The inventiveness and immersive quality of her set was truly unique and she undoubtedly captivated the audience while she was on the stage. 

Dua Saleh

Before Dua Saleh took the stage, her keyboardist/bassist came out and announced how excited they were to play in Minnesota, as Saleh grew up in St. Paul, and went to school at Augsburg in Minneapolis. However, he revealed that their time on tour had taken a lot out of them, but nonetheless, they took the stage.

From the moment the first note hit, the crowd was drawn into Saleh’s enigmatic world. Their ability to fluidly transition between spoken word, rap, and melodic crooning showcased their versatility and kept the audience engaged throughout the night.

The energy in the room ebbed and flowed, with moments of high-energy beats contrasted by deeply introspective interludes. Saleh’s stage presence was commanding, effortlessly connecting with the audience and making each person feel part of the experience.