House of Music

Maeta / Muni Long

Golden 1 Center

Sacramento, CA

July 30th, 2023

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

On a warm summer evening in Sacramento, fans packed the Golden 1 Center for Chris Brown’s highly anticipated “11:11” Tour. While the main attraction was undoubtedly Brown himself, the opening acts, Maeta and Muni Long, set the stage for an unforgettable night of R&B excellence.

Kicking off the night was Maeta, the Indianapolis-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter signed to Roc Nation. Despite her relatively recent entry into the mainstream music scene, Maeta commanded the stage with the confidence of a seasoned performer. Her set primarily featured tracks from her latest EP “Habits,” showcasing her ability to blend alternative R&B with pop sensibilities. Maeta’s performance of “Teen Scene,” produced by Kaytranada, was a particular highlight, its infectious beat getting the crowd moving early in the evening. Her soulful vocals shone through on more introspective tracks, demonstrating the range and depth that has made her one of R&B’s most promising new artists.

Following Maeta was Muni Long, whose journey from behind-the-scenes hitmaker to center stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Long’s set was a masterclass in modern R&B, drawing heavily from her Grammy-nominated album “Public Displays of Affection: The Album”. The crowd erupted when Long launched into her breakout hit “Hrs and Hrs,” which has become something of an R&B anthem since its release. Her powerful vocals and emotive delivery on tracks like “Another” and “Plot Twist” captivated the audience, proving why she’s transitioned so successfully from songwriter to performer.Long also treated the audience to a rendition of her latest single “Make Me Forget,” which has been climbing the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart. The song’s live performance showcased Long’s ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.

Both Maeta and Muni Long proved to be perfect openers for Chris Brown’s high-energy show. Their performances set a tone of musical excellence and emotional depth that Brown would build upon in his headlining set.The contrast between Maeta’s dreamy, alternative R&B style and Muni Long’s more traditional, yet innovative approach to the genre provided a well-rounded preview of the current state of R&B. It was clear that both artists have bright futures ahead of them, and their inclusion on Brown’s tour roster speaks volumes about their talent and potential.As the crowd eagerly awaited Chris Brown’s appearance, there was a palpable sense that they had witnessed something special in these opening acts. Maeta and Muni Long not only warmed up the audience but also left a lasting impression, likely gaining many new fans in the process.In conclusion, while Chris Brown was undoubtedly the main draw of the evening, Maeta and Muni Long proved themselves to be much more than mere opening acts. Their performances added significant value to the concert experience, showcasing the depth and diversity of contemporary R&B talent.