WORDS AND IMAGES GOSIA CZYZNIEWSKA
Jahron Anthony Brathwaite, better known as PartyNextDoor, has come a long way since his debut in 2013 as the first artist signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label. The Canadian R&B sensation quickly carved out a space in the music world with his sultry vocals and heartfelt songwriting. From crafting hits for megastars like Rihanna to building his own catalog of moody, emotional tracks, PartyNextDoor has become a driving force in modern R&B.
As PartyNextDoor stepped onto the stage at O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, he was met with an ecstatic crowd. “Hello Manchester, it’s good to be here!” he shouted, setting the tone for a night that promised to be both a tribute to his musical legacy and a celebration of sensuality. From the start, the audience knew they were in for something special.
The stage setup was a visual spectacle. Fog swirled around the room as PartyNextDoor emerged from an oval-shaped portal, backed by a powerful trio of live musicians: a drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist. The stage itself was divided into three podiums, crowned by a stunning circular lighting rig that hovered above, with large video walls amplifying the immersive atmosphere. The aesthetics were on point, elevating the energy of the night even before the music took center stage.
“C’mon Manchester! Let’s do it!” Jahron (PartyNextDoor’s real name) shouted, and the show kicked off with full force. The live music setup brought his sound to life, and the addition of guitar solos, in particular, was a pleasant surprise. At one point, the guitarist’s electrifying solo earned an enthusiastic expletive from Jahron, proving how much he appreciated the musicianship on display. His laid-back stage presence—strolling nonchalantly across the platform—was balanced by the passion and energy in the crowd, who sang along to every lyric.
The performance was split into three distinct acts: the opening, the bangers, and a slow, sensual final act. While PartyNextDoor’s transitions between songs were smooth, there wasn’t much room for crowd interaction. But this didn’t seem to bother anyone; the music itself was the focus, and the audience was more than happy to go along for the ride.
A key highlight of the show was the presence of his dancers, the Angel Girls. Their frequent appearances at the front of the stage created a hypnotic dynamic, blending sensual choreography with the heartbreak and lust-filled themes of PartyNextDoor’s songs. Their enticing movements added a layer of visual seduction to the emotional depth of the setlist, making the night feel like more than just a concert—it was a fully immersive experience.
When he performed “Work,” the hit he wrote for Rihanna, the energy in the room reached its peak. It was one of those moments when you could feel the collective excitement of the audience, a reminder of PartyNextDoor’s influence on modern R&B and pop music.
For the final song, PartyNextDoor dedicated the performance to “all the beautiful ladies in the house,” expressing heartfelt thanks to his fans. He gave a huge shout-out to his team, letting everyone know how much he appreciated the support before wishing the crowd a good night. There was no encore, but it didn’t feel necessary—he left the stage with a sense of completeness, closing the evening on a high note.
Overall, the show was a perfect blend of live musicianship, sultry choreography, and PartyNextDoor’s signature mood-driven sound. Though the interactions with the crowd were minimal, the sheer quality of the performance made up for it, leaving fans buzzing long after the lights went down.
SET LIST
1/ Intro/The Retreat
2/ Lose My Mind
3/ Cheers
4/ For Certain
5/ Sorry, But I’m Outside
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6/ Break From Toronto
7/ Wus Good
8/ Curious
9/ Right Now
10/ With You
11/ Not Nice
12/ Loyal
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13/ Wednesday Night Interlude
14/ Control
15/ Thirsty
16/ Real Woman
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
