Omar Apollo is stopping in Cincinnati on his “God Said No” world tour, following the release of his second studio album. After gaining a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 2023 for his first album, Ivory, Apollo followed this explosive debut with God Said No. At 14 tracks and 45 minutes long, the album delves into the inevitability of what life has to throw at you and the unpredictability of what comes in the aftermath of heartbreak.
The album’s title was a product of advice that Apollo’s friend gave him while reflecting on his relationship. “I gave it my everything,” he says, “And God said ‘no.’” More than that, it is also Apollo’s interpretation of the phrase, “lo que será, será,” or “whatever will be, will be.” Throughout the album, this phrase is brought to mind as fans join Apollo in his journey through both the denial and acceptance that undoubtedly accompanies heartbreak. There is even a feature of The Last of Us star, Pedro Pascal, on the album’s second-to-last track titled “Pedro.” Pascal speaks through what seems to be a voice note to Apollo, delving into his own experiences with the impracticality of dealing with heartbreak.
Born and raised in Hobart, Indiana, Apollo is an openly gay Mexican-American singer/songwriter who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and is unafraid to open up about his own experiences through his music. Apollo’s discography touches several genres, including R&B, alternative, pop, latin music and even soul. Opening for SZA’s “SOS” tour and Billie Eilish’s Latin America stadium tour in 2023, he is anything but restrictive when it comes to both the genres he explores as well as the artists he collaborates with. Supporting acts for the “God Said No” tour include Kevin Abstract, Malcolm Todd and Ravyn Lenae.
Omar Apollo plays the Andrew J Brady Music Center at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10. More info: bradymusiccenter.com.
This story is featured in CityBeat's Sept. 4 print edition.
