Since January 2019, Kim Kardashian West has been teasing fans on social media with videos of the mysterious but much speculated about ‘Sunday Service’, conceived by her husband Kanye West. After much speculation and just months after news the hip-hop star had pulled out of a Coachella headlining performance, news broke last month that on April 21 West would bring his Sunday Service to Coachella for a special Easter presentation. Here’s everything we know about the secretive Sunday Service so far.
What is Sunday Service?
Every Sunday since the beginning of 2019, fans have been treated to videos of the West and Kardashian clans congregating in locations around California, joined by friends, family and other artists. The weekly live gospel series has taken place in locations including an indoor studio — saturated in blue light — and outside on a mountain under the sun. A gospel choir all dressed in monotone colours appears to be at the centre of the action, which is led by West himself, with guests seated casually around. The vibe resembles more that of an inspirational jam session than a religious ceremony, with a choir delivering gospel renditions of West’s songs. Kim Kardashian West has said already about the service, “It’s just music; there’s no sermon. It’s definitely something he believes in—Jesus—and there’s a Christian vibe. But there’s no preaching. It’s just a very spiritual Christian experience.”
What is the purpose?
While you could be mistaken in believing that this is Kris Jenner’s elaborate plan to launch North West’s singing career (seriously, check out those videos of her singing and dancing along with her dad, how is she already cooler than us?) some believe this is Kanye’s way of redeeming himself after a tumultuous 2018. Endless headline-grabbing quotes found Ye vocally siding with Donald Trump, citing their shared “dragon energy” and donning a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat on numerous occasions — much to many of his fans (and his wife, Kim Kardashian’s) shock.
Sunday Service, by comparison, has been remarkably drama-free. In keeping the focus on the music and not embarking on Twitter tirades, West has reminded audiences of his talent.
It’s possible the service is a partial marketing strategy, a way for West to drum up excitement for album Yandhi, but we see it as no coincidence that these wholesome gatherings are coinciding with Wests inaugural appearance on KUWTK this season. Perhaps West is engaging in some reputation management and trying to clean up his act, not wanting to continue down the path of self-destruction he begun last year.
And honestly, we’re not complaining: those videos of North West dancing — and most recently, singing, are giving us life.
What can we expect to see at the Sunday Service at Coachella?
Considering Sunday Service has been a family affair, there is a lot of evidence to point to Kanye being joined by his nearest and dearest on stage for his confirmed Sunday Service performance at Coachella. Coachella co-founder Paul Tollett told Billboard that the performance will take place on “the Mountain,” a hillside at the Coachella campsite. West’s performance will be the first time an artist has performed inside the festival’s campsite, with Tollett noting “It’s challenging for us because we’ve never done this before… It was suggested, ‘Why don’t we try this in camping, since it’s in the morning and all the other campers are already there?’ Other people going to the show can come early, if they want [and they’ll be allowed in].”
Kanye fans, are you ready to see Yeezus rise again on Easter Sunday?
This story originally appeared on InStyle Australia
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