Ne-Yo

R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo returned to Manila a second time to give his Filipino fans a night of sultry beats, sexually-charged numbers and a string of hits in the “The Gentleman is Back: Ne-Yo: Live in Manila” concert at the MOA Concert Grounds last Jan. 9.

It is recalled that Ne-Yo first enthralled Pinoy concertgoers via “Ne-Yo: Live in Manila “at the Big Dome in 2008.    

Although the “Gentlemen” concert started an hour late, not one of those who trooped to the show regretted waiting for him. The moment he stepped on stage, “the sexy women of Manila,” as he put it, were instantly put on groove vibe with the opener, “Because Of You.”

Together with his band, D-Boys----comprised of horn players, a DJ, a keyboardist and a drummer----and his sizzling “perfect ladies” and “perfect gentlemen” dancers, Ne-Yo dished out crowd favorites namely “Sexy Love,” “So Sick” (reggae mix), “Go On Girl,” “Mad” and “Miss Independent.”

He also sang songs that he penned for other artists including “Let Me Love You” (sung by Mario), “Spotlight” (Jennifer Hudson) and “Knock You Down” (Keri Hilson).

In between the hits were his lesser-known songs such as “Do You?,” “Part Of The List,” the uber-sexy “Say It” and the theatrical “Fade Into The Background” (during which he acted drinking alcohol while two of his dancers got “married”).

Like in his first concert, Ne-Yo paid tribute to Michael Jackson not only by referring to him at the beginning of the show, but by imitating the King of Pop’s crotch-grabbing trademark move. The D-Boys also rendered a Michael Jackson instrumental medley during an intermission.

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Jadyn Maria entered the stage after Ne-Yo’s first five-song set. She performed two songs to a less-cheery crowd with Ne-Yo enlivening the mood by joining her in her last number, “The Little Things.”

Ne-Yo demonstrated remarkable vocal prowess. His voice was consistently good right down to the 22nd song of his repertoire (and to think that he only had two short breaks!).

His sincerity as a songwriter extended to his performance.  From time to time, Ne-Yo checked if the crowd was having fun; acknowledging everyone at all sides of the venue and beyond, such as those working at a call center nearby.

The R&B performer endeared himself to the crowd even more through his spiels; talking to them instead of at them.  

Before performing “Mad,” Ne-Yo related that one of the most important things he learned about relationships is to “never ever ever ever, ever ever ever… go to bed mad.”

After “Fade Into The Background,” Ne-Yo, while acting all tipsy, said, “situations like that… can really make a man ‘So Sick.’”

But what really made all the ladies scream “We love you Ne-Yo!!!” was his introduction to “Single:”

“Is there any woman in here who did not bring her husband or her boyfriend with her?” (ladies squealing) “Is there any woman in here who does not have a husband or a boyfriend?” (more ladies squealing)

“This is letting you know that you don’t got to be alone. For the next three minutes and 30 seconds or so, I’ll be your boyfriend.”

Ne-Yo so pleased the crowed that night that they just wouldn’t let him go that easily. His supposed finale, “Miss Independent,” was followed by two encore numbers namely “Never Knew I Needed You” (from “Princess and the Frog”) and the party favorite, “Closer.”

Overall, the 140-minute concert was lively and intimate. It was for lovers who want to be more inspired with their relationship, and single independent ladies who want to sing their hearts out.

And gentleman that he is, Ne-Yo delivered on what either came for.