American RnB artist Ne-Yo

If you have ever belted out So Sick or Miss Independent like Ne-Yo himself, there is one more thing to prepare for before his return to Nairobi, the dance moves.

The American RnB star is bringing his signature style back to Kenya on October 20 and fans heading to his Mashujaa Day concert may want to do more than sing along.

From his trademark fedora to his smooth footwork and sharp shoulder movements, Ne-Yo has spent years making choreography part of his musical identity.

The good news is that you do not need to be a professional dancer to catch the rhythm.          

A little practice before the show could help you feel more confident when your favourite song comes on.

Here is how to get your shoulders, footwork and rhythm ready before his Nairobi concert. Practise these easy dance moves before Mashujaa Day and be ready when the music drops.

Start with the shoulders

The secret to Ne-Yo's style is not necessarily complicated footwork.

It is the way he controls his upper body while keeping the rest of his movements relaxed.

Start by standing comfortably and stepping from side to side.

Drop your left shoulder as you step left, then switch to the right.

Keep your movements controlled instead of exaggerating every beat.

Practise slowly before trying the sequence to a song.

The aim is to develop a natural rhythm rather than look as though you are fighting the music.

Master the rock-back

One of the easiest ways to bring some of Ne-Yo's stage energy into your dancing is to practise stepping backwards in time with the beat.

Shift your weight onto one foot, take a small step back with the other and allow your arms to swing naturally across your body.

Alternate your steps while keeping your knees loose.

The key is to avoid standing stiffly. Ne-Yo's choreography often looks effortless because his movements flow into one another instead of appearing like separate actions.

Loosen up with body movements

For fans looking to add a little more flair, body rolls and fluid arm movements are worth practising.

Begin with a gentle movement through your chest and torso, allowing it to flow down towards your hips.

Add a relaxed arm sweep once you are comfortable with the motion.

Songs such as Sexy Love and Because of You offer a chance to focus on the smoother side of his performance style.

Take your time with the transitions instead of rushing to match every beat as you do not have to reproduce every move exactly.

Finding a comfortable version that suits your body is part of the fun.

Finish with a clean turn

Once you have the rhythm, practise adding a simple turn.

Place one foot behind the other, pivot carefully and return to face the front with your balance under control.

Start with a small turn before attempting anything faster.

The goal is to finish cleanly without losing your footing or interrupting the flow of your dance.

Put the four elements together, shoulder drops, rock-back steps, fluid body movements and a controlled turn and practise them to one of Ne-Yo's familiar hits.

Repetition will help the transitions feel more natural.

Nairobi gets ready for Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, is scheduled to perform at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 20, during the One Night Only: Brunch Edition concert.

The performance falls on Mashujaa Day and marks his return to Nairobi after an 11-year gap.

UK showband Sol & The Gang is also scheduled to perform at the event.

For Kenyan fans who grew up with his music, the concert offers an opportunity to revisit the songs that defined an era of RnB while experiencing the singer's signature performance style live.

Whether you master every move or simply show up ready to sing along, one thing is certain that when those familiar opening notes hit, staying still may be the hardest part.