The Manila Times

Kiana Ledé’s stunning performanc­e in Manila

- MARK BONIFACIO

AMERICAN singer-songwriter and actress Kiana Ledé has been getting prominence for her tracks “Ex,” “Wicked Games,” and “Mad At Me.” A Los Angelesbas­ed artist, she has almost 4 million monthly Spotify listeners. Just before 2024 came, the R&B pop artist performed her first concert IN the Philippine­s at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, for the Insignia Concert Series to the delight of her fans.

For the opening act, Sydneybase­d Filipino-Australian Lara Andallo delivered a charming performanc­e of tracks such as “Head To Toe,” “Obsessed,” and “When the lights go out.” With her skillful vocals and moves, Andallo and her dancers had the entire hall vibing setting the perfect mood.

Right after, Ledé opened the show with a stunning delivery of “Bitter Bitch (Interlude),” which depicts the resentment of a character towards their previous partner. The song is part of the artist’s latest album, Grudges, released in June 2023. Following this, the track “Gone” narrates a brisk engagement filled with highs and lows until all the fondness towards each other becomes exhausted.

“Focus” talks about the frustratio­ns of feeling the need to compete for attention from their lover because of their partner’s multiple distractio­ns, which had the fans singing along. At this time, Ledé officially introduced herself and expressed her happiness performing in Manila.

Subsequent­ly, they performed “Fairplay,” which describes the disappoint­ment towards their significan­t other and turning the tables by carrying out the same disgracefu­l play. “Wicked Games” recounts the futile efforts of tolerating a toxic partner that spoils the entire relationsh­ip.

With her remarkable vocals, she performed “Irresponsi­ble,” which illustrate­s the vulnerabil­ity of a character in front of their significan­t other who was too naive to care about the relationsh­ip. Following this,” Gemini Slander” recounts the perplexing indecisive­ness of a Gemini lover, making it challengin­g to come together.

Bringing up the energy, “Cancelled” is a self-empowering compositio­n after being treated poorly by their previous lover. On the other hand, the track “Honest” shows how lovers don’t see eye to eye despite the effort to recover their attraction from the beginning.

A more personal compositio­n, “Deserve” expresses a painful experience one went through, hoping the transgress­or receives punishment. Likewise, “Grudges” is about the character’s pent-up misery, acknowledg­ing their pain and attempting to move forward.

Accordingl­y, the attendees can’t help but cheer for Ledé, chanting her nickname Kiki after she shared a personal story, encouragin­g everyone to be kind and be each other’s safe spaces.

Intensifyi­ng the connection with the crowd, “Jealous” depicts the inevitable jealousy against their lover’s mischievou­s behavior and their attempt to be more assertive. Soon after, the piece “Too Far” talks about hesitating to cross the boundaries between two individual­s and enjoying each other’s company right after going beyond.

Finally, the last song for the night is “Magic,” a hopeful track about exploring the possibilit­ies with an individual they find fascinatin­g.

To be sure, Ledé’s fans are looking forward to hearing more from the singer-songwriter what with the sincere connection she establishe­d with her listeners.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTO/IYA FORBES VIA INSIGNIA PRESENTS ?? American singersong­writer and actress Kiana Ledé
CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTO/IYA FORBES VIA INSIGNIA PRESENTS American singersong­writer and actress Kiana Ledé
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