Sharon Jones Invites Nakia On Stage To Sing Duet

Photo By Danielle Thomas

Last night, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings performed at La Zona Rosa here in Austin. The Red State Blues show benefitted the Travis Country Democrats and one of my favorite organizations, SIMS.


Photo By Danielle Thomas

You may recall my encounter with Sharon during ACL that was the highlight of the festival for me. If not, click here. When I found out that they were coming back to Austin, I made a point to show up early and say hi to the Dap-Kings and of course Sharon. Everyone remembered me from ACL and I gave them all a copy of the new unreleased CD, Water To Wine. I chatted with Sharon and Neil (Tenor Sax Dap-King) about my time in Africa and growing up in Alabama singing in the church. A little bit of time went by and it was time for them to take the stage.


Photo by Danielle Thomas


A couple of songs in, they played the song that Sharon called me up on during ACL. Remember – that time it was totally random. This time, she called another fellow out of the audience and had some fun with him.

Then, they played a brand new song. As it started, Sharon looked over her shoulder to me and said, “Hey Nakia, get on up here! Come on Nakia!” and I hopped on stage as she began to serenade me with this new tune written by Dave (Trumpet Dap-King) called Are You Gonna Give Me All Of Your Love (I think?). As she and I danced and grooved, she turned the microphone toward me and I jumped in, responding to her call. The crowd went crazy and we turned it on! Back and forth we went on the stage singing to each other about how she needed all of my love and I wanted to give it to her. This culminated in me going down on my knees as if to plead and beg with her and then she slowly began to come down to meet me, with us pouring our hearts into the microphone and out into the audience.

As the song ended, the crowd was in a roar and I waved goodbye and left the stage. Sharon thanked me and told the crowd, “Now that was the real deal, y’all… Nakia’s the real deal. He’s got soul. And that’s what the Dap-Kings are all about.”

Later, Sharon told me that the song was brand new and they had only played it 2-3 other times and that she was really pleased with how it sounded with us both on it. Naturally, I suggested we record a version.

Here’s to hoping it happens.

Thank you Sharon & all of the Dap-Kings and to Kay and Graham for organizing the event and of course to my amazing booking agent Roggie Baer for making sure I was there to cross paths with Sharon again.