On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, the AO Arena in Manchester transformed into a vibrant time capsule of early 2000s R&B, reggae, and dancehall as Sean Paul and Ashanti delivered an electrifying performance as part of their co-headlined ‘Bring It’ tour. The sold-out crowd was treated to a night of high-energy hits, nostalgic throwbacks, and a surprise guest, making it a memorable celebration of a golden era in music.
Ashanti kicked off the evening, taking the stage promptly and commanding attention with her airy vocals and infectious charisma. Her hour-long set was a masterclass in R&B nostalgia, featuring classics like “Foolish,” “Rain on Me,” “Happy,” and “Rock Wit U.” The highlight of her performance came when she surprised the audience by bringing out Manchester’s own Aitch for a brief but electrifying rendition of their collaborative track “Baby.” Aitch’s appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy, and though his time on stage was short, the energy he brought lingered throughout the night. Ashanti’s performance was polished, with her vocal runs and stage presence proving why she remains a beloved figure in R&B. Her set felt like a warm embrace of the early 2000s, perfectly setting the tone for the night.
Photo Copyright © Stephen Farrell
After a lively interlude by a DJ who kept the audience dancing with a mix of reggae and hip-hop anthems, Sean Paul made his grand entrance around 9:40 PM, greeted by a sea of waving hands and a massive Jamaican flag backdrop. The Jamaican superstar, known for global hits like “Get Busy” and “Temperature,” delivered a 90-minute set that was nothing short of a party. His energy was relentless as he powered through a catalog of dancehall and pop crossovers, including “She Doesn’t Mind,” “No Lie,” “Baby Boy,” and “Mad Love.” Two synchronized dancers added visual flair, their limber moves perfectly complementing Sean Paul’s infectious rhythms. His ability to blend reggae, dancehall, and pop kept the crowd moving, with the standing area described as a “sea of dancing fans” with no stillness in sight.
In Manchester, he took the stage later than anticipated, and while his 90-minute performance was longer than the hour-long set reported in Leeds, a few attendees echoed sentiments from other shows that Ashanti’s punctuality and set length occasionally outshone Sean Paul’s. Additionally, minor sound issues were mentioned in reviews of other tour dates, though these were reportedly resolved during the Manchester show, ensuring a clear and vibrant sound for hits like “Gimme the Light.”
Photo Copyright © Stephen Farrell
The chemistry between Sean Paul and Ashanti, though not a direct collaboration on stage, was evident in the seamless flow of the evening. Both artists leaned into the nostalgia of their 2000s heyday, creating a cohesive experience that felt like a love letter to their fans. The AO Arena’s atmosphere was electric, with fans of all ages singing along to every word, proving the enduring appeal of these music icons. Sean Paul’s declaration, “Ladies, can I hear you? Now if you came here to party, let me see you put your hands up like this,” captured the night’s spirit—pure, unadulterated fun.
In summary, Sean Paul and Ashanti’s Manchester performance was a triumphant blend of nostalgia, energy, and unexpected delights, with Aitch’s cameo adding a local touch. While minor timing issues slightly marred the experience for some, the overall vibe was one of celebration, with both artists proving they can still command an arena with ease. For fans of early 2000s R&B and dancehall, this was a night to remember, leaving everyone ready to “Get Busy” and dance the night away.
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