New Frontier Theater was filled with R&B kids from all around the Metro last November 6, as Ella Mai brought her The Debut Tour in Manila which flawlessly celebrated R&B music.
Ella Mai is an English singer and songwriter who started her singing career in 2014. She released her first-ever EP, only 4 years ago through the streaming application/website Soundcloud. Since then, people started to take notice of the English performer. Over a year ago, she came out with her debut album which cemented her as the next R&B artist to watch. Collaborating with the likes of Chris Brown and John Legend, she surely is a force to expect in radio waves, and nightclubs.
The singer was discovered mainly because of her hits “Boo’d Up” and “Trip”, which were the perfect introductory tracks for the mainstream audience. These songs were simply the essentials of a night out, even in Philippine clubs. It is no doubt that Ella Mai is one of the highly requested performers Filipino concert fans want to see and hear live. That’s why upon announcement of the Manila show, these kids already expressed their Ella hype online.
After being an opening act for Ariana Grande’s Sweetener Tour in the UK, R&B was made more alive by Ella during her first concert in the Philippines. She performed hits off her debut album, deep cuts from her EPs, and past stand-alone singles. Fans were very loud to sing along with their favorite singer then danced the night away with their friends and Ella Mai. “Sultry” and “fabulous” are two words to describe Ella’s stage presence.
Aside from showcasing her powerhouse deep vocals, Ella served some dance moves and flawless vocal runs to bring her music more alive for the concert. The show was split into two parts, making fans feel they have a long night with the singer. Interestingly, the show marked the end of Ella’s “Debut” tour. After performing a solid set for fans, including both of her hits as mentioned above, Ella even went down from the stage to generously say goodbye to her Filipino fans.
The Debut Tour from Ella Mai is the perfect showcase of talent for the rising singer. Her music was flawlessly introduced not only to fans but concertgoers who just want to watch her out of curiosity. One would simply not even recognize it’s her first tour as she screams of professionalism and pure talent. We definitely see Ella Mai dominating the charts better and touring the world as a solo R&B act to watch out for.
Ella Mai's debut tour in Manila is presented by Insignia Presents
Photo credits: Patrick Lasanas for Manila Concert Junkies