On Thursday, October 2, Kean’s Homecoming week--presented by SGA--reached its peak with 2000s R&B artist Keyshia Cole.
Doors opened at 8 p.m., but students began lining up outside the Wilkins Theater before 7 p.m., almost two hours before the show started.
As they waited in line, they mingled with friends and took part in a TikTok challenge for Cougar’s Byte socials, by belting the singer’s hit song, ‘Love.’
Soleil Walker, a junior psychology major from Neptune, NJ, who participated in the video, mentioned that the song was her favorite, and why some young people may connect with her music so much.
“It brings me back to high school when I had my first crush. I played that song over and over again,” she said. “I feel like her songs talk about the reality of relationships, especially being a college student, there’s a lot of push and pull, you don’t know if you’re going to be with the person or not, and I feel like her songs really relate to those situations.”
Not only were students ready to sing along to their favorite songs, but many of them were dressed to impress and on par with the Cougar Grand Prix, Formula 1 (F1) inspired theme.
Jania Henderson, a freshman Entrepreneurship major from Carteret, NJ, a student who dressed in her flashiest concert clothes, shared her excitement about the concert and seeing Keyshia Cole.
“I listened to her growing up, and I look forward to seeing her on stage and everybody hype singing love probably!” she said.
But even though Keyshia Cole writes music from the perspective of a girl looking for love, Kean’s men did not neglect to show up; even President Lamont O. Repollet was in attendance.
Donell Modley, an undecided freshman also from Carteret, NJ, shared a little bit of his enthusiasm for the concert.
“I’m excited, I grew up listening to her, and I’m really ready for the performance and the excitement of everyone around me.”
The doors opened at around 7:40 p.m. and students cheered in excitement as they entered the theater and soon the building was filled to capacity with Kean students, alumni, and their friends and family.
SGA President Favour Oyelade opened the show, giving thanks to the Kean community for their support during the Homecoming week.
Minutes later, the lights dimmed as the students chanted ‘Keyshia, Keyshia!’ and the show began.
The singer who was crowned the Princess of Hip-Hop Soul performed her biggest hits, including Love, Caught Up, and Heaven Sent. She was thrilled at the unwavering love she recieved from the crowd.
“What y’all know about Keyshia Cole? Y’all too young!” The singer mused.
Music brings people together, regardless of language, race, and gender, and Keyshia Cole proved that as her songs settled in the hearts of freshmen on campus, as well as the most seasoned staff members.
The concert made for an incredible night for the Kean community, where they made memories of a lifetime
Tangela Burnett, a freshman nursing major from Roselle, NJ, who was celebrating her first college Homecoming, shared a concert highlight she’ll remember forever.
“It was so fun hearing the audience come in during Love, and sing with her, it was just joy,” she said. “This is my favorite part of Homecoming so far!”
Keyshia Cole’s performance was a high moment in the week. Even though many students made up their minds about the best part of Homecoming, with events like the ‘F1’ (2025), movie screening, and the tailgate and football game, the Homecoming excitement is only up from here.
