Rare details have emerged on how Radio Africa Group and Fenon Events secured the premier American R&B star Ne-Yo to perform in Kenya on Mashujaa Day.
The singer will headline the "One Night Only: Brunch Edition" on Tuesday, 20th October 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi. Speaking from the venue during early-stage setup, Somoina Kimojino, Chief Executive Officer of Fenon Events—a leading 360-degree event management, audiovisual production, and creative agency—revealed the exclusive background details to Mpasho journalist Kalondu Musyimi.
Two-Year Delay and a South African Connection
Efforts by the organisers to bring the three-time Grammy winner back to Kenya originally began two years ago. However, initial plans were postponed due to prevailing national events, and scheduling conflicts prevented a booking.
The breakthrough occurred when Ne-Yo's management scheduled tour dates in South Africa and contacted the Kenyan team.
"Finally, his team got a book in for South Africa and then they sent us an email like are you guys interested to bring him back? I was like, 'Yes, we're ready,'" Somoina Kimojino revealed.
The artist's team offered 20th October as an option. Because the date fell on Kenya's Mashujaa Day public holiday, organisers chose a daytime brunch concept running from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Kimojino explained: "We normally look for activities to do during the day on a public holiday. So, it was the reason we actually made it a brunch edition."
She added that Ne-Yo possesses a vast songwriting catalogue, having written hit songs for Beyoncé and other global acts alongside his own records.
Early Venue Preparation and Weather Protection
Site preparation at the Ulinzi Sports Complex commenced a full week prior to the concert date. Early construction enabled technical crews to assemble the main stage, erect giant screens, and build brand experience pop-ups. Early sound checks were also scheduled to ensure technical readiness.
To address potential El Niño rainfall, organisers constructed covered structures across all event zones.
Kimojino stated: "Space is covered for really all zones. Consider that in case it rains that you are covered."
Designated parking facilities were arranged within short walking distance of the venue gates.
"Space is covered for really all zones. Consider that in case it rains that you are covered."
Ticket Demand Soars as VIP Passes Sell Out
Public demand has generated rapid ticket sales via digital platform TicketYetu. Individual VIP Platinum passes, priced at KES 40,000, are now officially sold out.
Standard Gold passes, priced at KES 15,000, are already 95% sold out. With just 24 hours to go until Ne-Yo sets foot on stage, fans are encouraged to book their spots before all ticket tiers run out.
Buyers receive instant electronic QR code passes via mobile devices for venue gate scanning.
This show marks Ne-Yo’s return to Kenya after an 11-year absence since his 2015 Coke Studio Africa appearance. Globally, the musician has accumulated over 23 billion combined streams.
His catalog includes solo tracks such as "So Sick" with 1.26 billion Spotify streams, "Miss Independent" with 1.09 billion, and dance feature "Give Me Everything" with 2.28 billion.
Radio Africa Group and Fenon Premium Productions are organising the daytime event, with Stanbic Bank as key sponsor. Kiss 100 presenter Mwalimu Rachel will host the concert.
Kenyan artist Mutoriah and UK showband Sol & The Gang will perform live alongside Ne-Yo. The DJ roster includes Kiss 100's DJ Xclusive alongside Homeboyz Radio hosts DJ Andy Young, DJ Chunky, and DJ Jesse. Dj Kronikx and Dj Shema will also be serving vibes on the decks.
