It’s been a big year for Bay Area singer Kehlani, who returned to her hometown of Oakland Monday to celebrate her new self-titled album and thank supporters.
Fans lined up down the street and around 1-2-3-4 Go! Records in Oakland’s Temescal district. Thousands bought the album and then waited for hours to meet and chat with the artist.
Oakland music artist Kehlani speaks after performing at a downtown rally to celebrate Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu.
The Grammy-winning singer also spoke about her impact on the local music scene.
“I think it’s big for the community because so much beautiful R&B comes out of the Bay Area, and it’s time for that to be really recognized,” Kehlani told NBC Bay Area. “There’s so many great artists here that can see what I do and see that they can also do it too. I’m really proud to be part of that legacy.”
Kehlani’s upcoming schedule is packed.
Following the Oakland event, she is set to receive a Billboard Women in Music award before returning to tour in the Bay Area and the United Kingdom starting next week.