On 23 March 2024, the Thunder Dome Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok hosted Thai superstar NANON for the first of his Born to เบียว Concert series. But, this wasn’t just a concert, it was a unique and immersive experience filled with laughter, tears, and some truly epic performances.
Spanning an impressive FOUR AND A HALF hours, the show was a journey through very distinct acts: Born To Act, Born To Dance, Born To Play, Born To Talk, Born To Sing, Born To Fun, and Born To Be Me. Each act showcased a different facet of NANON’s talent, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
If you’re unfamiliar with the 23-year-old superstar, a quick history: NANON (born Korapat Kirdpan, sometimes called Triple N) is the son of Thai actor Kunakorn Kirdpan, and began his film/television career at just around a year old. After signing to GMMTV (the most prominent entertainment conglomerate in Thailand) he’s gone on to star in several hit films, national commercials, and television dramas including the 2021 global phenomenon Bad Buddy Series. A gifted vocalist/musician, he’s been featured on several OST (Original Soundtrack) albums, while his single “เปลี่ยนคะแนนเป็นแฟนได้ไหม (Love Score)” with T-pop girl group Sizzy, was a monster hit. In 2022 he signed to RISER MUSIC (a subsidiary of GMMTV). He released his debut album, The Secrets of the Universe, on 15 November 2023.
Opening with a jazz-inspired rendition of his hit single “Just Friend?” he energized the a crowd before immediately shifting into a softer sower rendition of “เพลงที่เพิ่งเขียนจบ (OUR SONG) both of which were featured on the Bad Buddy Series OST.
True to its name, the Born to Act section featured several guest appearances, including the incredibly talented Louis Thanawin, the every-funny Sing Harit, and the stoically handsome Chimon Wachirawit. The guys (along with several other actors) performed a live rendtion of a typical GMMTV-Style drama episode. (Side note: here’s something about Louis Thanawin. Not only is the man an incredibly gifted vocalist, he is also the silliest of goofballs while at the same time being an absolute dreamboat. Also, how could you not love Sing and Chimon?)
Nanon’s love interest in this “series” was the show-stopping Tu Tontawan (from another global phenomenon F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers) – who, until this concert – I had no idea could sing (girl has an incredible voice)! This entire section was a testament to how dedicated GMMTV talent are to their craft.
Highlights from the rest of the series also included a remix of Knock Knock featuring Jorin Khumpiraphan from the girl group 4EVE. The two also performed the catchy dance track Life Boy (originally released by 4EVE). While NANON got ready for his next bit, Jorin performed a solo. She’s a very engaging vocalist and a lot of fun to watch.
Nanon performed a cover of the SEVEN, one of the biggest hits of last summer for BTS member Jung Kook. While this version was the family friendly, it was still an absolute treat to watch NANON perform in english – which he did several times.
Hands down, one of my favorite performances of the concert was when he sat at the piano for My Universe is You. It is one of my favorite tracks off the album and this simple mix allows Nanon’s voice to really shine.
As the concert started to to reach the end, an understandablyemotionalNANON closed the concert by stripping down his first official single through RISER, “Unidentified Wonder.” Through his tears, he walked through the crowed, waving hello and smiling for photos. He also stopped to hug his family and other friends. Sensitive and sincere, even from the comfort of my own home, half a world away, I couldn’t help but get emotional for the kid. This was the first show promoting his first album – it’s a big deal and incredible accomplishment .
Later this year, NANON will embark on an Asian tour that will include Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh. The kids got the world at his fingertips and I cannot wait to se where he goes!
While you can order a copy of The Secrets of the Universe on most streaming/download sights, you can also order a limited edition boxset wherever Thai music and movies are sold, including EThaiCD.
More NANON soon so…
Stay Tuned!
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