John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ has been one of the biggest songs here in South Africa, and the world, this year so it was no doubt that all seven of John Legend’s South African tour dates sold out. Instead of heading to a stadium, John Legend went for more “intimate” performance this time around by having a seated, up-close and personal show.
The concert began with an opening performance by local singer Lulu Dikana, sister to The X Factor South Africa judge Zonke. Her performance was alright, I guess. She has a lovely voice but her music was putting me to sleep if I’m honest. The fans, however, seemed to love her and she took every chance she could to remind us that her CD is available to buy tonight. Desperate much? Anyway, she sang about five songs before the crowd waited for the man himself – John Legend!
Although he packed the Coca-Cola dome, John tried to keep things chilled. After an electric opening, John sat behind the piano and had a conversation with the audience. Firstly, I’d like to say that I really enjoyed the fact that he put on an acoustic performance on the night. Despite this, he still has a huge band backing him and it sounded so incredible.
John told his story on the night. He took us about 10 years back while he was working an office job and gigging in the evenings. He then got hired by Lauryn Hill to play piano on her hit single ‘Everything Is Everything’. He then started working on his demo when he was introduced to Kanye West (who was an up-and-comer at the time) and signed him to his label. His debut album ‘Get Lifted’ went on to sell gold in the US and as they say, the rest is history.
John mixed some of his older material with newer hits throughout the set and really managed to satisfy every single person who came to the show. It’s also clear that John is a pro simply because of the way he sings. Sure, we know John has an amazing voice and it’s so incredible to hear it live, but John, despite being a star, puts his all into each song. If you look closely, you can see he pronounces each word properly making sure each letter is heard. The guy is 100% focused on making each performance a great one.
If you got your tickets for John’s shows here in SA, you’re definitely in for one hell of a treat. Below is the setlist from the performance:
Made to Love
Tonight (Best You Ever Had)
Career bio/Prelude
Let’s Get Lifted
Used to Love U
Let’s Do It Again / Number One
Save the Night
Maxine
Again
P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care)
The Beginning
Save Room
Green Light
Rock With You – (Michael Jackson cover)
Who Do We Think We Are
Bridge Over Troubled Water – (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
You & I (Nobody in the World)
Caught Up
Ordinary People
So High
Encore:
All Of Me
* Images by Big Concerts
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