Nairobi — American R&B star Ne-Yo was at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata on Tuesday ahead of his highly anticipated evening performance, as fans gathered for his first headline concert in Kenya in 11 years.
The three-time Grammy winner, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday evening, hours after marking his 47th birthday. He is headlining the daytime “One Night Only: Brunch Edition” event, which runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Langata venue on Mashujaa Day.
Organisers transformed the complex with peach, teal and deep green marquees, chandeliers, wooden bar tables and a grand black-draped main hall to create a relaxed brunch atmosphere. Kiss 100 presenter Mwalimu Rachel is hosting, with a DJ lineup that includes DJ Xclusive, DJ Andy Young, DJ Chunky, DJ Jesse, DJ Kronikx and DJ Shema. Kenyan artist Mutoriah and UK showband Sol & The Gang are also performing live alongside Ne-Yo.
The event is organised by Fenon Premium Productions and Radio Africa Group, with Stanbic Bank as a key sponsor. Tickets have been in high demand: the VIP Platinum tier at KSh 40,000 sold out, while Standard Gold at KSh 15,000 reached about 95 per cent capacity. Table packages and a Gold Couple package at KSh 20,000 were also on offer. Gates opened at midday, with digital tickets scanned at entry.
Ne-Yo last performed in Kenya in 2015 during the third season of Coke Studio Africa, where he recorded “Marry You” with Diamond Platnumz. His return after more than a decade has generated strong interest, with the public holiday timing deliberately chosen for a daytime experience. Fans are expected to hear hits including “So Sick,” “Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Closer.”
The concert marks a major international music event on Mashujaa Day, blending global R&B with local and supporting acts in a festive outdoor setting.