KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 — It was a night of soul-filled emotions and energetic dance when three-time Grammy winner, Shaffer Chimere Smith, or better known as Ne-Yo, took his Malaysian audience on a journey through 90’s R&B.
The 2,900 fans in attendance at the Plenary Hall, KLCC last Saturday, were whipped into a frenzy for Ne-Yo's Live in Concert for 80-minutes of songs from his latest album, Self Explanatory as well almost all of his chart toppers.
Though it was a seated concert, fans were up on their feet when Ne-Yo started with one of his biggest hits, Miss Independent followed by favourites in She Knows, Because of You, One In A Million and many more.
Strong vocals and head-nodding moments aside, it was also noteworthy that he beautifully showcased his soulful vocals through the acoustic segment while singing songs such as Do You, Mad and You Should Let Me Love You.
The fact that he also sang songs from his musical compositions for other famous singers displayed a different side of him as a talented songwriter and composer.
Sporting a sharp blue suit, his smooth moves on stage with his signature tilted fedora, Ne-Yo put on a display that was noticeably inspired by Michael Jackson.
His talented quartet of female dancers did most of the flexing despite his house band serving up slightly pedestrian arrangements.
He kept the crowd going by addressing his fans, "to all the sexy ladies in the house”.
The Sexy Love hitmaker appears to hold a special place in the heart of KL fans, who after the concert fans started commenting on social media pages of event organisers duo Hitman Solutions and Happymoon, asking for more Ne-Yo concerts to be held again.
Fans even went on to suggest to organisers to consider bringing other R&B singers like Usher, in the apparent hunger for 90s R&B music in KL.
British boyband Blue will be performing next month at the same venue.
According to Hitman Solutions founder and CEO Rohit Rampal, "Ne-Yo exceeded all expectations by giving a fantastic and mind-blowing performance.
“Although the Plenary Hall was a seated venue, it was no obstacle for Ne-Yo’s fans to dance along with his upbeat numbers.”
Founder and CEO of Happymoon Kesavan Purusotman or better known as KC, shared: "We chose Ne-Yo because of his large fanbase in Malaysia, many of his R&B numbers with the element of hip-hop which he is famously known for still resonate until now."
