Lay Zhang holds fan meet in Manila
LAY Zhang, also known as Zhang Yixing, is a Chinese singer-songwriter, dancer, music producer, actor, and author famous for his M-pop, hip-hop, EDM, and R&B music. He debuted with the K-Pop group Exo in 2012, and since 2015, he has received multiple awards as a soloist. Moreover, he’s known for his original tracks “Let’s Shut Up and Dance,” “Sheep,” “Honey,” “Dawn to Dusk,” and “Joker.” Furthermore, he recently received the Weibo Music Awards for Weibo God and Producer of the Year.
As soon as Warner Music Philippines announced that Manila was the first stop for Lay’s fan meeting and listening party, fans, also known as XBACKS, were ecstatic as it has been ten years since the artist last visited the country.
Lay opened the show in Teatrino Promenade with “Right Back,” with lyrics expressing how much they miss their partner, who’s far away, while simultaneously promising to meet again. “Boom” is a danceable track with a catchy chorus, focusing on the character’s fascination with someone remarkable.
He greeted the audience cheerfully and even remarked, “Maganda kayo!” instantly made everyone’s hearts melt. Consequently, the attendees didn’t wait any longer and chanted, “Grandline!” the musician’s official tour in hopes of bringing the show to Manila.
After the performances and introduction, the program proceeded with a Q&A segment.
Lay revealed that he wanted to visit his Filipino fans more often, and the audience once again took the chance and requested to conduct his Grandline tour in Manila, which Lay agreed to organize soon.
He also expressed that his fans keep him motivated and love his job.
The multi-talented performer also shared his dreams for the future, and asked the fans to suggest musicians he could collaborate with, adding, “I will listen to you guys; give me the direction.”
Right after, the fans prepared a heartwarming video to show their appreciation for the multi-talented and lovable artist. The project featured throwback clips of Lay, fans dedicating a song, a heartfelt letter, and a recap of their cup-sleeve event for the artist’s birthday. Specifically, supporters expressed their appreciation for the artist and for fulfilling his promise to visit the country.
Moreover, fans revealed how inspiring
Lay has been in their lives and assured the artist that he has their unconditional support. On top of that, the attendees serenaded the artist with his original track in acapella, making the artist sing along as well during the heartwarming surprise.
After being engulfed in the beautiful gift the supporters presented, Lay was grateful for their thoughtfulness, sharing, “When I’m in China, I cannot see you guys, but you do a lot for me. Now, I fulfill the promise. That’s why I’m here today. I brought in new tracks. Nobody has heard this. You are the first ones to listen.”
Ultimately, the musician launched a special listening party for his unreleased songs, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The first snippet revealed is a rhythmic electropop track entitled “Psychic,” and the second song is a groovy disco-pop number, “Step.” Both have promising and electrifying sounds that he will release in the first half of 2024.