Ne-Yo: The Showman
The ultimate level of showmanship is evidenced best when an artist not only controls the stage but becomes one with it; such that when the artist moves, the stage moves with them. Michael Jackson was such a showman - commanding the attention of everyone while on stage at times even without moving an inch. Michael Jackson had achieved so much throughout his illustrious career, enabling him to reach this enviable level of showmanship that he spent the latter part of his life simply just giving back. Most notable in his efforts to give back to a world that had shown him so much love was his decision to do a self financed goodwill tour of Africa back in 1991, which also brought him to Tanzania for the first time.
Quite like Michael Jackson, NE-YO’s decision to come to Tanzania was lined with deeply symbolic undertones. It was very evident from the outset, as we prepared to receive his team of more than 20 people that coming to Africa was complicated. From technical concerns that dominated the agenda prior to staging the massive show, to security concerns that resulted into security detailing fit for a Head of State and last but maybe most importantly, even for someone like NE-YO who has actually been to Africa before, the greatest concern of all, overcoming the fear of the unknown.
In as much as Africa is ‘home’ to NE-YO, it is still very much unknown to him and those around him when compared to Europe, Asia and even the Middle East. So this trip was as much a music tour as it was a spiritual sojourn. It was important for us that NE-YO, whose country of origin, the United States of America, needs no introduction to most Tanzanians, leave here an ambassador of this country to a world that lives in fear of the unknown. Maybe through his eyes they will now see, through his ears they will now hear and through his experience finally know Tanzania for what it is - the soul of Africa; filled with hospitality, humility, and energy without forgetting an amazing nightlife and some of the worlds most exhilarating wildlife safaris.
That said, most who came out to attend his show may have been drawn to his star power and the prospects of chancing a glance at a top notch international act performing live on stage, but they left with far more. In the hour he spent on stage, NE-YO quickly affirmed his position as a top brass showman showing his local counterparts, in particular Diamond and Juma Nature tricks of the trade.
This, for me, was the soul of his performance - availing our most gifted artists a platform to connect with an artist who not only understands the craft but has mastered it enough to be willing to share the stage with others. NE-YO sealed his commitment to nurturing Tanzanian talent by performing on stage for the first time his yet to be released (or titled) collaboration with Tanzania’s very own - Diamond Platinum; sending a clear message that ultimately the showman is not just about the show.
