Meat Pies & Body Rolls: Jay Park Serves Up a Kiwi Feast

“Do you like meat pies?” asked Jay Park.

Not exactly the concert opener I expected. Truth be told, I was skeptical walking in. I only knew Jay Park as the flirtatious K-hip-hop heartthrob with a couple of songs on shuffle. Yet, by the end, like the crust of a pie baked to perfection, I was very full - musically speaking. 

The night unfolded in a four course meal: serenades, hip hop, rap, and yes, body rolls, with a special guest joining us for dessert - UCE Gang.

Act I: Serenades

Unlike previous concerts I have attended where performers are “fashionably late” at the expense of the audience’s enjoyment, Park was punctual. 

But don’t be fooled, his entry was nothing short of grand - bursts of red confetti and a blaring speaker burst our eardrums. 

Although I didn’t know what to expect, I was just glad that I didn’t have to anticipate the arduous series of opening acts. 

His songs were easy to jump in and sing along to, even if you didn’t know the words - like me. When the arena lit up with phone flashlights, Jay Park succeeded in serenading us.

“Kia ora, New Zealand. I’m so grateful to have you all here!” Between tracks, he inserted anecdotes about meat pies and attempts at the haka. Jay Park demonstrated his appreciation for New Zealand - no half-baked fillers. We weren’t just another pit stop on his tour. His genuineness made the performance personal and intimate. 

DJ WeGun

Jay Park left the spotlight to DJ WeGun, who seized the moment to spin beats.

He took Jay Park’s classics and seasoned them with R&B beats. Then, served a live scratching showcase fresh out of the oven. In an era of pre-mixed tracks, DJ WeGun proved that he could still cook from scratch and the crowd ate it up.

Act II: Hip Hop Dance

Jay Park returned to prove that he wasn’t just a voice, but a dancer too. His movements were sharp yet fluid, grooving to the beats.

The mashup of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and Soulja Boy’s “Crank That”, paying homage to his American roots and the Black artistes who have influenced his music.

Dancers

Then came the dancers - a powerhouse crew of B-boy and hip hop specialists. Their angular, dynamic movements sourced from a reservoir of pure kinetic energy.

Chaii:

Chaii joined right at the show’s climax, not as a starter, but as the secret ingredient. Feminine and powerful, Chaii, is an Iranian-Kiwi artiste with five Tūī nominations at the Aotearoa Music Awards. I loved the use of Persian rugs as a base for Chaii’s electrifying performance.

Act III: Rap & Body Rolls

Jay Park’s flow was unmatched - incredible lighting and immense aura. He honoured his Korean roots by rendering a heartfelt series of performances that made me forget what was coming next. Almost.

Body rolls

Safe to say, Jay Park rizzed up everyone and I was not surprised by the underwear throwing and hip thrusts. This is what the fans came to see - he ate and devoured. 

Yet, amidst the chaos, the change in atmosphere was playful, not sleazy. Jay Park had already established his authentic self: a person dedicated to appreciating different cultures; thoughtfulness when he stopped mid-performance to check on a fan; and finally, his professionalism in delivering a performance to exceed our expectations. He was in full command of his personas – and the crowd loved every version of it.

Act IV: Final Bite with Uce Gang

Just when we finished the four course meal, Jay Park invited a guest for dessert.

Cue the beat “MOMMAE”, setting the expectation for more body rolls. Except, there’s a plot twist: UCE Gang strutting onto stage, twerking mid-entrance. The crowd roared with laughter and delight. Jay Park had served up local flavour, sealing the night with the perfect last bite.

Craccum would like to thank you, Live Nation Aotearoa, for inviting us to an epic night!

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in Craccum are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team or the publication as a whole. While we aim to ensure accuracy and fairness, Craccum cannot guarantee the complete reliability of all information presented and assumes no liability for errors or omissions.