Two of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, Ne-Yo and Akon, are set to ignite London's O2 Arena for a four-night residency starting this weekend. The 'Nights Like This Tour' promises a nostalgic journey through the 2000s and beyond, with a massive 48-song setlist that has already been hailed as "2000s euphoria" by critics. Fans can expect a back-and-forth headline performance, with Ne-Yo delivering hits like "Give Me Everything," "Time of Our Lives," and "Miss Independent," while Akon counters with "Smack That," "Lonely," and "Right Now (Na Na Na)."
Who is Ne-Yo?
Born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Camden, Arkansas, Ne-Yo is widely regarded as the king of smooth R&B. Raised in Las Vegas, he began his career in the R&B group Envy before going solo in 2000. After being dropped by Columbia Records, he found success as a songwriter, penning hits for artists like Mario, Mary J. Blige, and Christina Milian. His breakthrough came with Mario's number one single "Let Me Love You" in 2004. Ne-Yo's debut album "In My Own Words" (2006) featured the chart-topping "So Sick," and his third album "Year of the Gentleman" (2008) propelled him to international fame with singles like "Closer" and "Miss Independent." He later scored another number one with "Give Me Everything" in 2011.
Who is Akon?
Akon, born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam in St. Louis, Missouri, spent part of his childhood in Senegal before moving to New Jersey. His career was kickstarted by rapper Lil Zane and mentor Devyne Stephens. After signing with Universal's SRC Records, his debut album "Trouble" (2004) became a massive success with hits like "Locked Up," "Lonely," and "Belly Dancer (Bananza)." His follow-up "Konvicted" (2006) featured collaborations with Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Akon also co-wrote major hits for other artists, including "Sweet Escape" for Gwen Stefani and "Just Dance" for Lady Gaga. He is considered a global ambassador for West African culture.
Setlist
The duo will perform nearly 50 songs, covering highlights from both their careers. Ne-Yo opens with a set of around six songs before handing over to Akon. The setlist includes:
- Ne-Yo: Miss Independent, Because of You, So Sick, Closer, Give Me Everything, Time of Our Lives, and more.
- Akon: Smack That, Locked Up, Lonely, Right Now (Na Na Na), Don't Matter, and more.
- Covers: Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Dangerous," Mario's "Let Me Love You," and medleys of hits by Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and David Guetta.
The full setlist includes tracks like "Beautiful Day," "I'm So Paid," "She Knows," "Bananza (Belly Dancer)," "The Sweet Escape," "Sexy Bitch," and "Play Hard."
Last-Minute Tickets
Tickets are still available through AXS and Ticketmaster, with prices starting from £78 and going up to over £500 for premium packages. Resale tickets on Viagogo and Stubhub are also available, typically ranging from £100 to £120. Many sections of the arena still have available seats.
Show Times
Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the concert starting around 8:00 PM and lasting approximately three hours until 11:00 PM.
Support Act
There is no advertised support act for the 'Nights Like This Tour.' The duo co-headlines, performing a combined set of nearly 50 songs.
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