Live Review: Juicy Fest 2025 in Perth featuring Akon and Ludacris
Juicy Fest, 15 January 2025 in Fremantle Oval, port city of Perth, Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
Live Media Assistant – Krystal Galloway (Krystal in the Crowd)
2023 – “The line-up is too good to be true…it’s definitely a con job.”
2024 – “The sequel will never be as good as the original – which was arguably one of the best festival line-ups in Australia…” another sceptic remarked.
2025 – “Perth will be cancelled – it is on a Wednesday”.
Year after year, the sceptics got it wrong.
The Perth RnB army arrived in droves on a midweek gamble, sparking the 2025 edition with a sea of people sweeping across the home of football at the historical Fremantle Oval. It’s unsurprising – considering 15 artists are part of the legendary bill. Arguably, Juicy Fest reigns supreme in the festival category of any genre, thanks to the almighty effort of securing international icons with club bangers known for their salacious and horny lyrics, often being the catalyst of fusing two into one.
For the patrons who grooved through the dawn of the millennium, it was day and night of reminiscencing the nostalgia of RnB, trickled with the slickest music, thematically filled with the sweet and sticky charm, dabbled with the humanistic penchants of materialism, desire, and hedonism. While it has been two decades since its peak, the RnB baton is forever in motion in the background, with the majority of the fans appearing to be as young as the sons and daughters of some of the artists themselves.
Under the blue sky of 23 degrees, the day sparked at 1:30 with Next, who stormed the stage with “Too Close,” propagating a smooth blend of soulful vocals, tight harmonies, and infectious groove. The train continued with other hits such as “Wifey,” “Butta Love,” and “I Still Love You.” Many in the crowd weren’t born when these bangers were released, but the the artist got their mouths moving to the lyrics.
Californian Baby Bash, real name Ronald Bryant, is as suave as the music he makes. The catchy hooks, mellow beats, and soulful melodies of “Baby I’m Back” is a feel-good track. If the name Baby Bash is unfamiliar, you would have at least heard of “Suga Suga,” with the artists performing one of the grooviest and smooth as f*ck tracks, with a laid-back vibe. Afterall it is about infatuation and romantic escapades. The mood cast by Baby Bash influenced the crowd, with many dancing with a sea of arms rising.
Ray J, Bobby Valentino, and Pleasure P, brilliantly titled RSVP (S for Sammy who wasn’t on stage), personified a fun group. The group graced the stage together in a unique blend of sounds. The set went for an hour in a cocktail of sleaze, grind, and salaciousness that included a bevy of women picked from the crowd who twirled on stage with as much shenanigans as the filth in the lyrics. “Money Everywhere” is a track about sex (like many of the songs tonight), with money being thrown everywhere like in a strip club.
For those who were more into commercial RnB, their moment arrived with Montell Jordan. He began with a “This Is How You Do It” remix, followed by “I Like the Way You Move.” He also spoke about being pastor, followed by a dedication to hip hop and RnB with Ashanti’s “Day Come Without You,” 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” and “California Love,” finally finishing with “This is How You Do It.”
And commercial music continued with Jay Sean, with the likes of “Down,” “Ride It,” and “Do You Remember.” With the dance element in his songs, many were jumping like in a rave. The most successful RnB British male on the urban charts mellifluously translated his studio suave onto the stage, perhaps energised by the horde of screaming females.
The evening continued with Barbadian Shontelle shone with her soulful and powerful vocals, showcasing her dynamic range in “Impossible.” Jacquees was soulful in hits like “B.E.D,” a standout thanks to the versatility of his vocals. Layzie Bone, a member of the legendary Thugs-N-Harmony, performed with a melodic voice and lyrical prowess. He was energetic and engaging through hits such as “Resurrection” and “Thug Luv”, oozing the charisma and connected well with the fans. Fat Joe from the Bronx was one of the crowd favorites with “Lean Back,” “What’s Luv,” and “Make It Rain.” He brought a lot of charisma to the stage. Then came Jeremih – with his soulful voice grasping the audience in “Birthday Sex” and “Down On Me.” And the sex (representation) was plenty, with four dances moving provocatively to the cadence of the music.
The penultimate act was Akon, who could have drawn an arena crowd on his own. The former refugee’s presence stood out like a beast among a church choir. His witty and silky West African-styled vocals were infectious. The Senegalese American oozed so much of soul in his live rendition, that’s usually hidden under the blanket of the studio enclosure. The artist is a purebred performer. The highlights included him being in a huge transparent ball, rolling over the canopy of hands from one side of the field to the other – we hope he has legit insurance. He also stood high over the crowd, grabbing phones from fans and taking selfies with them. Smitten by the East Coast and Southern beats, the crowd roared through “Smack That,” “Lonely,” “I Wanna Love You” – although the dirty version was performed. With 13 songs in the setlist, with most being radio bangers, Akon is arguably the headliner at Juicy Fest of 2025.
And finally, Ludacris. The video introduction featured his famous name being mentioned on television multiple times, showcasing his industry significance. He then stormed the stage with “Southern Fried” and “Welcome To Atlanta.” He also referenced Fast and Furious where he performed “Act a Fool,” which appeared in the second installment of 2 Fast 2 Furious. The setlist consisted of classic hits and new tracks, and for many, their favorite was the track that gave rise to Justin Bieber, “Baby.” “What’s Your Fantasy” was also a fan favourite, as was “Glamorous,” and perhaps the biggest track “Move Bitch” became a huge karaoke. What an ending.
With 15 artist across 12 lineups, Juicy Fest 2025 has undoubtedly becoming one of the most of popular festivals in Australia. The 10,000 fans of various cultures and creed were united in a camaraderie bonded by RnB music. We can’t wait for 2026, and we hope for its return to New Zealand – the home of Juicy Fest.
Closing remarks from Sheldon Ang Media’s Live Media Assistant for Juicy Fest 2025 – Krystal in the Crowd – “It was nothing short of a massive celebration. The weather was perfect, the crowd looked incredible in head-turning outfits, and the artists brought their A-game with hit after hit. The energy was electric, with everyone singing and dancing like it was the 2000s all over again. My standout moments had to be Jeremih’s Don’t Tell ‘Em, Akon’s Smack That, and Ludacris taking me back to 2006 with Glamorous. These songs didn’t just play, they ignited the crowd, turning the night into a celebration of R&B and hip-hop classics. Juicy Fest wasn’t just a concert, it was pure magic. Cannot wait for Juicy Fest 2026!!!”
Juicy Fest continues across Australia. Tickets and info are available from www.juicyfest.co
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Juicy Fest for the invite.
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
