- Classic 105 presenter Maina Kageni raised eyebrows after questioning Ne-Yo's brief set at his sold-out Nairobi concert on Mashujaa Day
- Ne-Yo reportedly took the stage at 7 pm while the sun was still setting and wrapped up his performance by 9 pm
- Co-host King'ang'i drew a sharp contrast with local artistes like Ken Wa Maria and Kativui, who often perform well past midnight
Classic 105 morning show host Maina Kageni sparked a lively conversation after questioning whether Ne-Yo's short Nairobi performance was worth the steep ticket prices fans paid to attend.
Source: Facebook
American R&B star Ne-Yo performed at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Mashujaa Day, Tuesday, October 20, in a sold-out show dubbed One Night Only: Brunch Edition.
It was his first headline concert in Kenya in 11 years. Ticket prices ranged from KSh 15,000 for Gold access to KSh 40,000 for Platinum, with the premium section reportedly packed on the night.
What did Maina criticise about Ne-Yo's Nairobi performance?
Maina noted that money was clearly not an issue for many concertgoers.
"People have money, especially the KSh 40,000 segment; it was very full. So I hear you guys say that there is no money in Kenya. Be specific; it is you who doesn't have money," he said on air.
His co-host King'ang'i revealed that Ne-Yo had already taken the stage by 7 pm, while the sun was still going down, and Maina confirmed the singer was done performing by 9 pm. He joked that the 9 pm news bulletin had not even started by the time Ne-Yo had finished his set.
King'ang'i contrasted this with the stamina of local artists.
"Do you know that Ken Wa Maria is usually told that by midnight, it is still early for him to leave? Kativui similarly performs as late as 3 am, and at that time, people are still arriving at the event because it is a party till dawn. Do you know what that means? That is until the sun comes up," he said.
Maina was quick to point out, however, that audiences would have very different expectations from an international act.
"If Ne-Yo were to do what Mwalimu is saying, they would stone him. He only does one and a half hours, and he is done," he said.
During his set, Ne-Yo performed a string of fan favourites including So Sick, Miss Independent and Closer among others. He also sang Rihanna's Take a Bow, a song he co-wrote.
UK showband Sol & The Gang opened proceedings, with local DJs keeping the crowd entertained throughout the day.
The event came with a strict "Ne-Yo Luxe" fashion theme, and attendees showed up dressed to impress.
Watch the video below:
Kenyans weigh in
Fans weighed in on social media with mixed reactions to the debate:
@kish_lizz._:
"Nilifika huko na the meme that was ringing in my head the whole day ni 'the economy is doing wonderfully'😂😂"
@njerifiona:
"Aki mwalimu hushtuka daily 😂😂"
@sunny_kemmy:
"Actually 6.30😃"
@jamessala254:
"True, maina sina pesa"
Did Ne-Yo bring his girlfriends to the Nairobi concert?
TUKO.co.ke highlighted more facts about Ne-Yo’s Nairobi concert, where he arrived with two of his three girlfriends, Arielle Hill and Moneii, drawing attention before taking the stage.
The singer has described his relationship as a consensual arrangement built on open communication, with three women forming what he calls his “Pyramid.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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