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Ne-Yo: South Africa knows how to party

Durban - American R&B singer Ne-Yo has promised to give his fans an exciting and smooth performance at the Essence Festival, to be held at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on 12 November.

The two-day event will also feature local stars Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Babes Wodumo and Thandiswa Mazwai, and internationals Yolanda Adams and the duo Mary Mary.

The hitmaker of So Sick is also known for other chart toppers like Sexy Love, Stay and Miss Independent.

Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, told City Press this week that his performance would be everything his fans loved about him.

"I’ll be performing songs from my first album, to the last one. It will be a celebration of what we love about music."

South Africa knows how to party

Ne-Yo says he’s looking forward to coming to South Africa, simply because we know how to party. And he enjoys performing for people who love entertainment.

This time around, he is really looking forward to the trip because on previous visits he didn’t have much free time and didn’t sample any local cuisine.

"I’m anticipating something amazing," he said.

Asked whether he has been cooking something in the studio, he said: "I’ve been in husband and daddy mode!"

Indeed, Ne-Yo has been busy in the fatherhood department. He has a daughter Madilyn (6) and son Mason (5) with ex-girlfriend Monyetta Shaw. He and wife Crystal Renay Williams have a seven-year-old son, Shaffer.

"I love being a dad! It’s the only thing I’ve ever loved more than music. It’s motivation and inspiration, like I’ve never had before," he said.

Ne-Yo has big dreams for his kids

"I want my children to be absolute individuals, headstrong and determined. Life-loving and unafraid to be exactly who they are ... in music, politics, whatever.

"I just want them to be the absolute best version of themselves."

He assures his fans that he’s in the studio working on his seventh album, saying: "New music is absolutely on the way."

He explained that his songs are about the ups, downs, ins and outs of love. "And love will never change."

Ne-Yo recently told Metro newspaper that he would like to get into the studio with Rihanna again, and also record a song with Adele.

He has worked with Rihanna on their 2007 hit, I Hate That I Love You.

Asked if he would like to collaborate with South African musos, he said:

"I’ve got to improve my knowledge of SA’s artists. A place as beautiful as SA has got to have some amazing music. I’m excited to learn who I could potentially collab with."

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