Pierre Edwards
Creative Director

For Wale’s homecoming show at The Kennedy Center, I led creative direction with the goal of crafting a stage experience that felt as sharp, layered, and emotional as his music. This wasn’t just another concert—it was a statement. My job was to translate that into a visual language that hit just as hard as the lyrics.

Objectives

• Build a Distinct Visual World: Design a stage that reflected Wale’s identity while elevating the performance into something cinematic.
• Make the Audience Feel It: Use tech and design to create moments that felt immersive and memorable.
• Keep It Tight + Functional: Every idea had to work live—safely, smoothly, and without compromise.

Approach

Concept Development
Worked closely with Wale and his team to nail down the themes, tone, and emotional undercurrent of the show. From there, built a concept that brought those ideas to life visually—something that felt bold yet personal.

Design + Innovation
Pushed the limits with LED, lighting, and stage movement—using tech not just for flash but to tell a story. Every detail had purpose, from the pacing of lights to the energy shifts across the set.

Audience Connection
Baked in real-time engagement—lighting that responded to the crowd, visuals that shifted with the mood. Made sure there were quiet moments too, giving Wale space to connect with people one-on-one, even in a big room.

Team + Execution
Directed a full production crew to lock in timing, effects, and transitions. We ran multiple rehearsals to sync everything up with Wale’s performance style and make sure the night flowed effortlessly.

Results

• Striking Visuals: The show drew praise for its polish and intentionality—visually rich but never distracting.
• Real Impact: Fans felt it. The interactive elements gave the room a pulse, and the show hit that rare balance between spectacle and soul.
• Flawless Run: No technical hiccups. Every cue landed. The design held strong under pressure, proving both ambitious and bulletproof.