Classic 105 presenter Maina Kageni has questioned the length of Ne-Yo's Nairobi concert after learning that the American singer reportedly wrapped up his performance by 9pm, despite fans paying up to KSh 40,000 for tickets.
Ne-Yo performed at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 20, during Mashujaa Day, in a sold-out show dubbed One Night Only: Brunch Edition.
The concert marked his first headline performance in Kenya in 11 years, attracting fans who turned up to enjoy his popular R&B hits.
However, the duration of his performance became a talking point during Maina's morning show on Classic 105.
Maina speaks on expensive tickets
Maina noted that the event had attracted people willing to spend significant amounts on entertainment, particularly those who purchased Platinum tickets.
Tickets reportedly ranged from KSh 15,000 for Gold access to KSh 40,000 for Platinum.
"People have money, especially the KSh 40,000 segment; it was very full. So I hear you guys say that there is no money in Kenya. Be specific; it is you who doesn't have money," Maina said.
His remarks came as he discussed the concert's timing with his co-host King'ang'i.
According to King'ang'i, Ne-Yo had taken the stage at around 7pm, while the sun was still setting.
Maina confirmed that the singer had finished performing by approximately 9pm, joking that the 9pm news bulletin had not even started.
King'ang'i compares Ne-Yo to local musicians
King'ang'i then brought Kenyan entertainers into the discussion, highlighting the difference between international concerts and local performances.
He mentioned Ken Wa Maria, explaining that fans can consider midnight too early for the musician to leave the stage.
He also cited Kativui, who reportedly performs until around 3am, when revellers may still be arriving at an event.
The comparison prompted Maina to defend Ne-Yo's approach, arguing that audiences might not accept an international star performing for the same length of time as local musicians.
"If Ne-Yo were to do what Mwalimu is saying, they would stone him. He only does one and a half hours, and he is done," Maina said.
Songs that entertained fans
During his set, Ne-Yo performed fan favourites including So Sick, Miss Independent and Closer.
He also sang Rihanna's Take a Bow, a song he co-wrote.
UK showband Sol & The Gang opened the event, while local DJs entertained guests throughout the day.
Attendees also embraced the organisers' Ne-Yo Luxe fashion theme, dressing up for the occasion.
Kenyans react
The discussion attracted mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans joking about the economy while others commented on the concert's timing.
One user wrote, "True, maina sina pesa," while another joked about the phrase "the economy is doing wonderfully."
The conversation has raised questions about what fans should expect when paying premium prices for international concerts.
Do you think Ne-Yo's performance was worth the ticket price, or should international artists perform longer sets in Kenya?
