Vocal powerhouse group MAMAMOO have once again proved why they are worthy of that title.
On Aug. 8, the quartet returned to the Philippine stage at Araneta Coliseum in Manila for their 4WARD tour, three years after their MYCON show in 2023. Even after attending over a hundred live events, three things from their 2023 concert in Manila remain etched in our minds: their insane vocal prowess that echoed throughout the venue, the energy of their fans who refused to be outpowered by those vocals and the hilarious pre-recorded videos shown on the huge LED screens while the girls were backstage.
Solar shared that their 2023 show left such a great aftertaste that they looked forward to performing in the Philippines again. Every show has screaming and cheering, but MooMoos (MAMAMOO’s fandom name) are on another level. Screaming with their mouths and stomping with their feet, they made the entire venue shake. MAMAMOO and Filipino MooMoos alike are on a different level when it comes to live shows, and they proved it again for 4WARD.
(Photo credit: RBW Inc.)
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Clad in stylish all-black ensembles, Hwasa, Solar, Wheein and Moonbyul opened the night with a dynamic performance of “Mr. Ambiguous.” Instead of a traditional stage entrance, two of the members, Solar and Moonbyul, popped up scattered throughout the audience area, surprising fans who realized the girls were right beside them. Other songs in their setlist included “Egotistic,” “Decalcomanie,” “Starry Night,” “New York,” “AYA,” “HIP,” “Dingga,” “Gogobebe” and their latest track “4 Flowers,” impressing the crowd with their lively stage presence and exceptional vocals.
Apart from their group stages, Hwasa, Solar, Wheein and Moonbyul also took the stage—and the floor, going down to interact closely with fans—for their solo performances: Hwasa with “So cute,” Wheein with “The Symphony of Fxxkboys,” Moonbyul with “Hertz” and Solar with “Blues.”
The show was full of surprises. Beyond walking down the aisles, the four members surprised the crowd toward the end of the show by appearing on an elevated stage opposite the main stage, right behind the tech booth. Fans returned the love with a special appreciation video and a celebratory cake featuring tiny figures of the members. The cake held another surprise: a long, continuous film strip pulled from inside that showcased photos of the memories Hwasa, Solar, Wheein and Moonbyul have created throughout their 12 years together as MAMAMOO.
True to the tour’s title, 4WARD, MAMAMOO’s only direction is forward. Whether in personal or professional growth, the members continue to refine their skills despite already being known as multifaceted artists. They continue to grow, and for MAMAMOO and MooMoos, the only way is forward.
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