Arthur Nery drops ‘surprise’ new release Ninanais

Arthur Nery ended the year 2022 on a high note. He was named by Spotify Wrapped as one of the most streamed artists in the Philippines. That means there are millions and millions of music lovers listening to his songs at all hours all over the country. And you can believe that, it is according to the records of the streaming platform.

Arthur came as third in the Top Male Artists listing after Zack Tabudlo and Justin Bieber. Then he came in third among the Top Local Artists after Zack again and Ben&Ben. And then to cap his success, he also got two of his songs in the Top 5 of the music chart. These top-notchers are Ikaw Lang by Nobita, Pagsamo by Arthur, Paraluman by Adie, Pano by Zack and Isa Lang by Arthur again.

Isa Lang was Arthur’s last single dropped late in 2021. He did not lack for hits all throughout last year but fans were really getting impatient that he has not come up with any new release for months.

And then a few days ago, it finally happened. A new song by Arthur Nery was uploaded on social media and the streaming platforms and it is quite a surprise.

Honestly speaking, that was quite a jolt I got from the first bar of Ninanais, Arthur’s newest song. “What is this?” was what entered my mind. I hear shades of Chet Baker. Chet Baker! This is not like anything I expected from the heartthrob from Cagayan de Oro. Can it be true? He is playing the piano.

On the other hand, Ninanais, also made me very happy. It is proof that Arthur has been working hard to improve his music. Look it took him a long time to come up with a follow-up to his last big hit, Isa Lang. But now that he has, it is clear that this guy is determined to do better with his songwriting and assure himself a long, successful future as a music star.

Ninanais is a cool, jazzy, piano-driven tune. His fans will be surprised. They may not even like it. His song is nothing like Arthur’s previous releases. That means it is not just another lo-fi tune. I am happy about that. The style is beginning to wear thin and is at times even boring. It is time to make a change and Arthur has done if beautifully.

I might rethink that coda at the end but everything else sounds great. Ninanais has Arthur’s usual soulful musings but the song is on a happy note. This guy must be in love. How else can he sing lyrics like “sa bawat pagpikit sumasarap ang pag-ibig” and come across like he really means it?

I am glad that Arthur has opened the way out of the bedroom soul rut. The genre kept music selling during those pandemic years and we are grateful. I am sure we can still use some of that once in a while. But for now, let Arthur enjoy this new adventure with Ninanais. It is fun, sexy, exciting.

The arrival of Ninanais coincides with another important development in Arthur’s career, his first concert tour abroad. This is the logical step forward after his sold-out solo show at the New Frontier Theater last summer. You know, it is now time to take the star abroad and he is going to Canada.

Arthur’s first stop will be Scarborough in Toronto where he will perform at the Global Kingdom Ministries on March 10. This will be followed by Richmond in British Columbia on March 11 when he will be at the River Rock Theater. Then there will be the Christ Seventh Day Adventist Church in Edmonton, Alberta on March 12.

And then next will be Arthur’s US concert tour which is happening later this year. Watch out for the announcement of the dates and places soon.