Newark, NJ—-A comeback from Floetry once felt like a long shot. The duo—rooted in both the UK and Philadelphia—had been largely absent from the stage since 2016, and their 2007 split seemed to close the chapter for good.
That’s what made the opening night of their 25-city Say Yes Tour on April 8th and at New Jersey Performing Arts Center felt so special. The demand was so strong that a second show had to be added, proving that their music never lost its grip on listeners.
With Natalie Stewart and Marsha Ambrosius back together, the reunion feels both nostalgic and necessary. Their chemistry—spoken word intertwined with soulful melodies—remains as powerful as ever, reminding fans why their sound helped define an era.
Floetry’s story began organically. The two met years earlier through a shared love of basketball before reconnecting creatively in London’s poetry scene. When Ambrosius invited Stewart to contribute spoken word to her music, the partnership clicked instantly. By 1999, they were performing together, blending poetry and R&B into something fresh and unmistakable.
Their impact came quickly. Their debut album Floetic (2002) introduced a unique style that merged lyrical storytelling with rich soul instrumentation, later followed by Flo’Ology in 2005 and the live project Floacism. The group earned critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy nominations, Soul Train honors, and songwriting credits for artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, and Bilal.
Their performance at NJPAC showed that time apart hasn’t dulled their connection. The back-and-forth between The Floacist’s poetic delivery and Ambrosius’s smooth vocals felt effortless, as if no time had passed. The decision to keep the spotlight on the duo—without solo segments—reinforced a sense of unity and purpose.
The night itself was a full celebration of soul music. Comedian Clint Coley kept the energy high as host, while Teedra Moses opened with fan favorites like “Be Your Girl”, “Take Me”, “Caution”, and “Backstroke.” Raheem DeVaughn followed with a powerful set that included “You”, Let’s Fall In Love”, “Woman”, “I Dont Care”, “Believe”, and “Guess Who Loves You More,” setting the stage for the headliners.
When Floetry finally took over, the crowd was fully locked in. They delivered beloved hits including “Sunshine,” “Say Yes,” “Butterflies,” and “SupaStar,” before closing the night with “Getting Late.” Each song felt like a shared memory between artist and audience, a reminder of the duo’s lasting influence.
Now celebrating more than 25 years since their formation, Floetry’s return isn’t just about revisiting the past—it’s about honoring a legacy that continues to resonate. Their reunion feels earned, their chemistry undeniable, and their message clear: some connections never fade.
