American R&B musician Ne-Yo performed his 2015 collaborative hit "Marry You" at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The track was delivered during the sold-out "One Night Only: Brunch Edition" concert on Mashujaa Day.
Fans across the stadium sang along to the lyrics while ululating in the air.
“When I look at you, I see the air of every flavoury, I see the sun go high you shine on me...I want to marry you (ooh lalala ooh la),” the excited fans sang along with Ne-Yo’s flawless dance moves on the expansive stage.
Ne-Yo paused after finishing the song to address the crowd. He delivered a direct tribute to his East African collaborator.
"Shout out to my brother Diamond Platnumz."
The History Behind the 2015 Collaboration
Ne-Yo and Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz first connected at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban, South Africa. They subsequently recorded "Marry You" in a studio in Nairobi during Coke Studio Africa Season 3 in 2015.
The official single and music video were filmed in Los Angeles and Johannesburg. Universal Music and the artists officially released the track on 2 February 2017.
The release coincided with Diamond Platnumz signing a record deal with Universal Music.
Venue Setup and Key Event Statistics
Fenon Premium Productions and Radio Africa Group organised the daytime concert, with Stanbic Bank as lead sponsor. The event ran from 3 pm to 11 pm at the sports facility. Ticket Yetu managed entrance verification across security check-ins.
Standard Gold tickets cost KSh 15,000, whilst Gold Couple packages sold for KSh 20,000. VIP Platinum passes priced at KSh 40,000 sold out ahead of the event. The venue featured black-and-gold aesthetics, giant chess-inspired installations, and floral arches.
An 11-Year Return to Kenya
Exclusive zones like the Regal Lounge Platinum provided draped seating, grand chandeliers, and live grill stations. A DJ roster featuring DJ Xclusive, DJ Andy Young, DJ Chunky, and DJ Jesse performed from the decks. Stage hosts Mwalimu Rachel and Lotan Salaipei led proceedings throughout the afternoon.
This concert marked Ne-Yo's first performance in Kenya in 11 years. He last visited Nairobi in 2015 during his Coke Studio Africa recording sessions.
His performance of "Marry You" stood out as a memorable moment of the daytime festival.
