Singer Dinh Manh Ninh and Tho (real name Nguyen Trong Duc, a member of Da LAB) were guest artists at the final concert of Chillies' "Tour lai tu dau" series, held on the evening of 4/10. The production team kept the guest artists' identities a secret until the performance, making their appearance a surprise for the audience.

The collaborative segments blended pop/R&B and hip-hop, transforming the familiar sound of Chillies' earlier songs. Tho joined Chillies to perform "Vi Sao" and delivered a new arrangement of "Ban Tinh Ca Khong Ten". Over 3,000 fans cheered, applauded, and then sang along to the choruses.

The stage erupted when Dinh Manh Ninh ventured into rock for the first time, harmonizing with Tran Duy Khang on "Mascara", "Du Co Cach Xa", and the hit "Vung Ky Uc". The Hanoi-based vocalist energized the venue with his powerful vocals and high notes. Most of the audience stood up, cheering and singing along with the two artists until the end of the songs.

Band member Duy Khang shared that the group had known and followed the music of the two senior artists through many previous performances. Despite their busy individual schedules after a reality TV competition, both immediately accepted Chillies' invitation to participate.

The concert attracted many young fans who have long followed the band. Minh Quan, 28 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City, stated: "Chillies' music always creates empathy because it reflects the mood of young people. This final show became special because the band performed almost all their early compositions live." Thanh Truc, 25 years old, from Hanoi, said she most enjoyed the band's collaboration with the two guest artists: "I was excited to see Dinh Manh Ninh and Tho join. The familiar ballads, rearranged in a rock style, sounded much more energetic, making the entire hall sing along continuously."

In addition to the guest collaborations, Chillies took the audience on a musical journey from 2019 to the present with "Dai Lo Mat Troi" and "Neu Ngay Mai Khong Den". The band also recreated their early days performing at Yoko cafe with acoustic versions of "Cam On Va Xin Loi", "Va The La Het", and "Tren Nhung Dam May". Reflecting on their early steps into the music industry, Khang shared: "If 'Va The La Het' hadn't been well-received back then, I would probably still be sitting in front of a computer screen doing graphic design instead of standing here."

Vocalist Duy Khang mentioned that he had been monitoring audience feedback after the two Hanoi legs and the first night in Ho Chi Minh City. In response to numerous requests for more songs, the singer joked that the band would have to perform until 2h to finish their set. When he asked who was willing to stay, the audience unanimously raised their hands in agreement.

Addressing feedback that their album "Kim" had lost its original identity and early simplicity due to the use of more electronic sounds, Duy Khang admitted he was initially disheartened but gradually accepted that each product takes on a life of its own once it reaches the audience. "We re-performed 'Bermuda', a composition from 2017 before it was included in the album, as an answer: Chillies has never lost its essence," he stated.

The concert also featured personal moments from the band, with Duy Khang performing "Ao Hoa" for the first time, a song written for his wife two years ago for their wedding and never officially released. Bassist Nguyen Van Phuoc surprised Khang with a birthday cake at the event. The program concluded at 23h after nearly three hours of continuous performance. At the show on 3/10, Chillies created a buzz by spontaneously inviting singer Ha Anh Tuan from the audience to join them on stage for "Vung Ky Uc".

Chillies with Dinh Manh Ninh (second from right) at the concert in Ho Chi Minh City, on 4/10. Photo: Organizers

Chillies was formed in October 2018 in Ho Chi Minh City and currently operates as a five-member group: Tran Duy Khang (lead vocals, composer), Nhim Bien (guitar), Nguyen Van Phuoc (bass), Si Phu (drums), and Bao Le (keyboard). Starting with cover nights at tea rooms, the band made its mark in the indie music scene with a series of original songs such as "Va The La Het", "Mascara", "Cam On Va Xin Loi", and "Vung Ky Uc".

The band's music blends pop rock, alternative, synthpop, and ballad. In 2021, the group released their debut album "Qua Khung Cua So" and received two nominations at the Cong Hien Music Awards. In October 2025, the band released their second studio album "Kim", featuring funky disco and city pop genres.

Cat Tien