These Were the Blackest Moments at Coachella Weekend 1
Coachella’s 25th anniversary weekend brought the music, the fashion, and the social media moments, but the highlight reel belonged to the Black artists and culture-shapers who made the desert feel like a celebration. Weekend 1 ran from April 10–12 in Indio, California, with Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G headlining a stacked bill that had everyone watching both the stage and the timeline.
Coachella may be a music festival, full-on camping/glamping/luxury accommodated experience, but Weekend 1 made one thing clear: Black culture was doing what it always does there — setting the tone. Check out these standout moments:
Justin Bieber Brings Out Tems and Wizkid
This was one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments. Bieber’s headlining set leaned into surprise guests like the glorious Tems, Wizkid, Dijon, Mk.gee, and The Kid Laroi, all of whom appeared during the vulnerable performance. The Afrobeats crossover energy made the set feel bigger than nostalgia alone.
Giveon Brings Out Kehlani
R&B got a super boost! Giveon’s Coachella set featured a full orchestra and a special duet with Kehlani, adding an elevated, grown, and sexy moment to a weekend already heavy on star power.
Teyana Taylor’s Presence
Teyana Taylor did what she always does: turned a look into a moment. Her futuristic ensemble was a standout among the many style stars of Weekend 1, with her bold fashion setting the desert ablaze!
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Sexxy Red Brings Out Lizzo
This epic cameo gave the Sahara Tent its own headline. Lizzo joined Sexyy Red onstage for a little flute playing and a lot of twerking. Lizzo also made her own splash in festival fashion coverage, as one does.
Olandria as Barbie
And in case you were keeping track, Olandria won Coachella! Olandria as Barbie aka Barblandria, was a whole desert fantasy. At Barbie’s first-ever Coachella pop-up, the “Love Island USA” star showed up as “Bama Barbie,” helping turn a branded activation into one of the weekend’s most charming fashion moments. Olandria was also spotted as a Redbull bartender!
