Grammy Award-winning artist Ne-Yo is heading to South Africa.
The US singer, composer, producer and actor has been confirmed as the headline international act for the MTV Africa Music Awards, or the MAMAs, taking place in KwaZulu-Natal next month.
The R&B artist, popular for songs such as So Sick and Let Me Love You, has confirmed that he will be performing tracks from his sixth studio album, Non-Fiction, at the awards.
Having performed previously in Joburg, the singer-songwriter is excited about performing for the first time in Durban.
“I can’t wait for you to see what I have in store, Durban!” he said this week.
“I hope you’re ready, because I am.”
Since claiming the top spot on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart back in 2006 with his second single So Sick, Ne-Yo has spent the past nine years churning out hit after hit, not only as a performer, but as a songwriter for such megastars as Beyoncé, Rihanna and the late Michael Jackson.
Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, has released multiple platinum singles and four hit albums and has three Grammy awards.
His breakout platinum single, So Sick, set the tone and his success continued with his first solo album In My Own Words (2006), which went straight to number one on the Billboard Top 200.
His hits continued with the albums Because of You (2007), Year of the Gentleman (2008), Libra Scale (2010) and most recently R.E.D. (2012).
In January, Ne-Yo released Non-Fiction, anchored by the lead single Money Can’t Buy, featuring Jeezy, and She Knows, featuring Juicy J.
The album hit the R&B charts at number one.
He is also an established actor, with roles in films such as Stomp The Yard, Battle: LA and the epic film Red Tails.
Bruce Gillmer, of Viacom International Media Networks, said the company was delighted about securing Ne-Yo as a performer at the awards.
“We are thrilled to have Ne-Yo join us in Durban.
“He’s an incredible artist who will elevate the MAMA to new heights.
“As a sensational live performer and truly accomplished R&B star, Ne-Yo’s an all-round class act who will greatly complement the African performers on the show.”
The awards will be broadcast live across Africa on MTV Base (DStv channel 322), MTV (DStv channel 130) and BET (DStv channel 129) on Saturday, July 18, at 21:00 Central Africa Time.
Saturday Star
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