BoyzIIMen, TLC and Blackstreet touched down under to perform at RnB Vine Days, a festival taking place at wineries all around Australia. Attendees were permitted to bring picnic gear, which made the day on the green even more fine with a glass of wine and old school music to savor. Others viewed from the concert from the Sirromet restaurant area, which included canapés and drinks for those who preferred to dine in the distance.
 
Typically, the action was mostly at the forefront of the pits. DJ Yo Mafia entertained the crowd with the right vibe prior to the show, with DJ Horizon kicking off tracks and keeping spirits hyped between performances.
 

‘It Wasn’t Me’ singer Shaggy was originally scheduled in the lineup, but canceled due to a last-minute opportunity to perform at the Superbowl NFL ‘tailgate’ show with Sting in the US on the conflicting day. In a statement he said “I’m disappointed to not celebrate RNB Vine Days with my fans,” promising to make it up to them. Organisers were prompt to replace him with ‘No Diggity’ hit 90’s group ‘Blackstreet’.
 
Ironically, on the same day as the announcement, TLC were forced to cancel their set at the Australian Open in Melbourne due to technical difficulties. The girls were dressed and ready to get on stage at 6pm but the 40 degree scorching heat, resulted in a complete computer meltdown. Nonetheless, Brisbane was fortunate to provide cooler weather on this occasion to allow the girls complete their performance.
 
The show commenced at 6pm with opening act ‘Blackstreet’ singing their hit ‘Get you home’, followed by ‘Don’t Leave Me’ and number of tracks including a rendition of ‘Shout’ by Tear for Fears, ending strong with their smash hit ‘No Diggity’.

 
BlackstreetTboz and Chilli then made their entry with “What About Your Friends” following their greatest hits with an interval paying tribute to their late band member Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. Although the rapper wasn’t present, the two girls carried out the last song ‘Waterfalls’ with their backing dancers in custom designed motorsport attire.
 
Legendary ‘BoyzIIMen’ then took us back to romance in the 90’s, with multiple familiar love songs, ending with ‘End Of The Road’. Dressed in all white, the now three-man-band vocals were still at the top of their game – although their former bass singer was not present.
 
Overall, these 90’s pioneers performed magnificently at the Sirromet winery which ended up being a festive day out in the sun, apart from a mild evening shower.
 
The tour continues throughout Australia.
For more information, go to: https://www.frontiertouring.com/rnbvinedays
 
Were you at RnB Fridays? Tell us how you spent it at https://www.facebook.com/HDJMusicLive

London based, Brisbane raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei performed his latest album ‘Wallflower’ last night at the Triffid in Newstead, Australia. The venue carried a full audience of good vibes as Jordan and his band serenaded a singing along crowd.

The first support act of the evening was “Noah Slee” who resides in Berlin and has returned to Australia to perform his latest smooth & funkdafied tracks.
Followed by Slee, Kiwi – Sydney based singer and songwriter “Wallace” performed a number of her tracks with a capturing and expressive stage presence.
The tour continues throughout Australia before Jordan and his band take off to touring the USA.
The Australian tour concludes in Melbourne on 13 Jan 2018 at the Corner Hotel. Tickets here: Jordan Rakei | Melbourne 
     

Links

• Jordan Rakei Soundcloud
• Jordan Rakei Bandcamp
• Jordan Rakei Facebook
• Jordan Rakei YouTube
• Jordan Rakei Twitter

The international perception of Australia carrying a multitude of RnB lovers isn’t exactly an immediate stereotypical observation. Don’t be deceived. Following the back-to-back sold out RnB festivals across Australia; the appetite for the RnB genre down under is evident.
 
Recently, thousands of sunshine state Queenslanders packed out the Brisbane show grounds turning up in showers to see 12 hit RnB artists perform. Premium ticket holders were in no more privilege to carry brollies due to security regulations. Instead, despite the rain, the mass of fans sported a rainbow of coloured poncho’s across the show grounds, whilst many stuck out the stroppy wet weather in drenched clothes.
 
No bags, no brollies, and no re-entry. Disappointments came from a few who briefly exited the concert grounds only to discover on their return they would not regain entry. According to the Australian Government information security management protocol, security took the necessary precautions to satisfy the mandatory requirements. Following the Ariana Grande tragic concert blast in Manchester and more recent Route 99 shootings in Las Vegas, event security across Australian has strictly increased for the safety of citizens and fans.
 
Despite substantial rain, in good spirits, the show prevailed with the crowd remaining at capacity for almost up to seven hours long.
 
Hit 105’s radio host said “Brisbane, you guys are heroes for coming in the rain and have been the biggest crowd yet” Brisbane resilient RnB fans spoke volumes “-Showing the worlds biggest RnB acts how we party.”
 
DJ Horizon performed his first set, followed by show host Fatman Scoop joining him in a clear poncho. Fatman announced, “If you’re in the rain, I’m in the rain. If you’re getting wet, I’m getting wet” and paraded down to the pits rain bound into the crowd. Scoop then performed his 1999 chart topping track, Be Faithful (Put Your Hands Up) whilst in the packed crowd accompanied by a single security staff member, surrounded by fans that sung along into the microphone.
 

 
RnB duo Ruff Endz were the first group to perform. They sung their hits Cash, Money, Cars, Clothes, Someone and No more, “in the rain, really! We love you guys.” David and Dante reunited after over a decade-long hiatus in 2016, shortly after the 2015 unrest in Balitmore. Ruff Endz released their single Time 4 Change after reuniting, a track aimed at the historical uprising in their home town, and continued powering through the RnB scene of our decade.
 
Secondly, RnB soul mama Monifah made an introduction with an instrumental slow jam setting the mood under the weather [a cosy hot chocolate and duvet would have done nicely with that track]. Monifah’s voice carried sweet yet powerful tones in her track I Miss You (Come Back Home) before shouting “Brisbane, we don’t care about the rain!”. She then sung a rendition of Santana’s Maria Maria and then Touch it for her ‘Nasty Girls’ defining the term as ‘brilliant, strong and courageous women’.
 
By 4.15, Cuban-American sweet heart Christina Milan was ready to rock From AM to PM, encouraging all hands to go in the air right across the grounds. Wearing latex look stiletto boots, a jeans jacket and hoops amid her dancers, she also sung Say I, When you look at me, Dip it low and more. It was a memento mix of the numerous catchy tracks she’d delivered over the years.
 
Up next was Let me love you singer Mario, collaborating with Australian rappers Bliss & Eso, whom surprised fans by appearing on stage to perform their track Believe along with the American superstar. Mario didn’t disappoint demonstrating his smooth vocal and dance maneuvers. Close to the end of Let me love you, he grabbed a bouqet of roses, and began casting them one by one into the front row to his screaming fans. Mario commanded “Rain you need to stop. It’s all love”. By this time the raid subsided, only to pick up slightly again before the end of his set.
 
The En Vogue were on fire both visually and vocally. Post 25 years since the groups formation they were the highlight of the night given their harmonious smashing performance. Their outfits were fierce, dressed in all red, with blasts of fire coming from the front stage. They performed the groups hits Hold On, Whatta Man, Free Your Mind and Don’t Let Go and more. The En Vougue current members Terry, Cindy and Rhona, called the crowd “real troopers for standing in the rain” and “We love you for that”. They also announced they would be releasing a new album next year.
 
Thereafter, Kelis took to the stage. The Milkshake singer and chef, wore a matching set with purple printed onions and white boots, swaggering to her strongest tracks one after another achieving an ecstatic reaction of appreciation from the audience for the existence of her signature songs. Remarkably, Kelis covered her version of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana before closing. Kelis released a cookbook called My Life on a Plate along with her album titled “Food” as well a line of jerk and BBQ sauces. A foodie and musie, the talented Kelis celebrates the best of both worlds.
 
Kelly Rowland gave an astounding caliber of a performance and confirmed the level of a quality superstar she is. Rowland invited her fellow ‘Voice’ co judge ‘Delta Goodrem’ for steamy dance from two of her back up dancers. Kelly ended her set pausing in moment of gratitude and love with her hands stretched wide over a voiceover reading out “love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, love does not boast, God is love”. Kelly is working on a fifth solo album that she anticipates will be out by next year.
 
Ironically, the sun was shining bright on the following day at the Virgin Supercars Race attended by the previous night’s performer Kelly Rowland along with fellow (The Australian Voice) Judge Delta Goodrem, where Virgin Cabin Crew Charis Dewald performed the National Anthem live on Channel 10.
 
In 10^th line was Ne-Yo. He began with parallel RnB ballad’s So Sick, She Knows, Miss Independent, All because Of You, Sexy Love and Best I ever had gently easing into into his up-tempo club hits such as Closer and Give me Everything featuring PitBull. Two lucky fans were picked out of the crowd to dance to a track from his new album, Push Back. The two ladies engaged in a short dance competition before being given some kind words as they shakily made their way back into the crowd. His full live band and presentation were truly compelling and he remains one of the highest quality entertainers of the day.
 
Second to last, but not least, the UK now DJ and singer Craig David performed and energetic and breathtaking performance. He upheld his ability to sing at a prompt pace without missing a note as well as mastering the music. He’s had a great comeback since re-inventing himself as a DJ and singer with TS5 and his talent is still one of a kind. The most compelling words Craig David expressed throughout his set was his appreciation for all the support over the years. On this tour, his 17 year long manager flew out from London to support his shows. It’s a wonderful industry story and comeback for Craig David we wish him all the best of success with his “Time Is Now” album to be released on 26 January 2018.
 
And finally, it was Sean Paul’s time to seize the moment. It was the last act of the night and finally dry skies. People must have been tired after 6hr + in rain and cold and you’d assume they’d be ready to head home bound! Not so. As soon as the dancehall beats kicked off the crowd went wild. The show was clearly not over until Sean Paul’s set was. The night rounded up with the Dutty Jamaican’s blasts from the past, present and snippets of future releases.
 
The hype for next years RnB Festival remains, and that anticipation contains a sense of expectation for a literal brighter day.
 
What city do you vote the most dedicated RnB fans?. If you were at RnB Fridays live, click here and comment on you’re favorite performance and why?
 
Join next year’s RnB Fridays event with TLC. More announcements to follow at More info for other related events in your city can be found on https://www.hdjmusic.com/events/
 

Delta Bravo presented the first series of the Men of R&B tour to Australia, to celebrate the culture of R&B featuring a multi generational collective of artists derived from the nineties, naughties and current selections of R&B’s finest.

The recent Brisbane concert took place at the Maxx Watts venue, which allowed a close knit enough stage environment to enjoy a non-distant concert experience vibe.
In reverse order, the event’s finale featured RnB singer Lloyd, performing his hit tracks ‘’Dedication to My Ex’’, ‘’Bedrock’’, “‘Get It Shawty’’, ‘’Lay It Down’’). Lloyd introduced his brand new ‘’Tru’’ EP with an emotional dialogue of his journey away from the music limelight for the past few years on his acoustic guitar. Lloyd has evidently declared his come back returning with an honest account of his temporary withdrawal from music.
 

Prior to Lloyd’s performance, RnB group’s “Next” most active member and singer and songwriter “RL”, performed mega anthem Too Close’’, ‘’Wifey’’ and ‘’Butta Love’’ as well as tracks he co-created such as Jaheim’s, “Just In Case’’. Consistently engaging in collaborations and solo tours around the world, RL will also be joining “Next” on their US tour later this year.
 
Melodic R&B singer Eric Bellinger’s set was an epic performance of diverse sounds, from captivating acoustic ballads to his trademark club bangers.  The “Focused on You’’, ‘’I Don’t Want Her’’, and ‘’Valet’’ songwriter is also a credited writer for artists Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Usher.
 
In addition, Grammy nominated artist J Holiday (‘’Bed’’, ‘’Suffocate’’, ‘’Guilty Conscience’’) part took in the lineup, no doubtingly performing his serenading ballads dedicated to the ladies. J Holiday also performed his new material since the release of his last album, ‘’Guilty Conscience’’ in 2014.
 

Last, but first, the show was introduced by flawless vocalist and support act Xy Latu, who has been a solid RnB pioneer, singer, songwriter, and producer in the Australian music scene. Accompanied by Jesse-T (the Voice), rapper Mazuradi and Nesi Love, these support acts landed the stage with their talented presence and kicked off the night. These local entertainers are warranted acts to look out for in the Australian music market.

 
Look out for the next Men of RnB tour, presenting a night of non-stop hits and RnB anthems.

Beyonce’s Formation London concert opened with an epic musical introduction, intensified with distorted transitions of images projected on a 20-metre high, gigantic rotating LED video-screen block. Artists such as Drake and Rihanna have also recently used the trendy concept in their music video’s “This is what you came for” and “Hotline bling”, dancing inside the box. However, Beyoncé spent the majority of her concert ‘outside the box’ (obviously for audience visibility).
The superstar appeared in an all black leotard with a large round hat, triggering a mighty roar from the crowd upon her arrival.
Dazzling costumes and matching themes resonated throughout, from black, white to gold and glittering bodysuits.
Supported by an all female band and dancers, Queen Bey didn’t disappoint to exhibit her signature dance routines. The band was tight and Beyoncé’s drummer Venzella Joy Williams ensured the show kept an upbeat tempo with a track like vibe. Vocally, Mrs. Carter never failed to hit her notes for over 2 hours, along with her outstanding backing vocalists The Mama’s.
Beyonce communicated her maturity, growth and experience in this presentation. From becoming a wife and mother and the challenges thereof, to emerging to embrace her roots and freedom.
It was a powerful message of overcoming through the hurt, anger and emotions alternatively leading to conscious forgiveness, all in the process of making metaphorical lemonade.
Audience experience varied from different parts of the stadium. Starting from the farthest and highest part of the Wembley stadium, the sound quality was distorted and unfortunately failed to project clear sound without echo. Luckily, the visuals made up for the sound loss as the large screens and clever camerawork provided a live view of its entirety. Without these crucial screens, Beyoncé and her dancers looked ant-size to the eye. From the front (mid level) the sound quality improved and won as our best spot. The ground floor also brought the action to life without delay, although the beauty in the visual effects were limited as the screens towered meter’s above and being so close made it difficult to capture it all.
Surprisingly an encore didn’t appear to be an option as strict timings were met with the concert starting and finishing promptly.
The Set list consisted of a 37 song list dipping in and out of new and old tracks:

Formation, Sorry, Bow Down / Tom Ford, Run the World (Girls), Mine, Baby Boy, Hold Up, Countdown, Me, Myself and I, Runnin (Naughty Boy), All Night, Don’t Hurt Yourself, Ring the Alarm, Diva, Flawless (Remix), Feeling Myself, Yoncé, 7/11, Drunk in Love, Rocket, Daddy Lessons, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Purple Rain (Prince cover), Crazy in Love/Bootylicious, Naughty Girl, Party, Blow / Nasty Girl, Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics cover), Sweet Dreams (Bey’s song), Freedom, Survivor, End of Time/Grown Woman, Halo

All in all, it was a high profile concert that reached expectations. With Beyoncé in creative control, how can you be anything less than impressed?. The Destiny’s Child member gave it her all!

Bravo to Beyoncé and team!