YB, short for Yangon Booster, is a popular Burmese hip hop group that originated in Yangon, Myanmar. The group consists of Ye Thway Pyin Zaw Htet, Pont Pont, Sai Sai Kham Leng, and White who are known for their energetic and crowd-pleasing live performances. As one of Myanmar’s most in-demand musical acts, YB frequently holds concerts across the country to showcase their catchy tunes and high-octane stage presence.
YB’s Concert History
Since their formation in 2002, YB has held concerts annually to connect with fans and deliver their signature fusion of hip hop, pop, and traditional Burmese music. Their first major concert was in 2005 at the Myanmar Convention Center to celebrate the release of their debut album. This event helped grow their fanbase in Yangon and kickstarted their journey to becoming a national phenomenon.
Over the years, YB has staged concerts in major cities across Myanmar like Mandalay, Taunggyi, Mawlamyine, Myitkyina, and more. These shows often blend solo and group sets with multiple costume changes to provide fans an electrifying performance. In 2017, YB held 30 shows across Myanmar as part of their 15 year anniversary tour. This demanding schedule attested to their incredible stamina and commitment to entertaining audiences from all corners of the country.
Abroad, YB has also held concerts for the Burmese diaspora community. They have performed in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Australia. In 2010, YB became the first Burmese band to stage a solo concert in South Korea. These overseas shows allow them to connect with fans who are unable to see them perform in Myanmar.
Notable Concerts
Some of YB’s most famous concerts include:
- Myanmar Music Festival (2005) – Their first major show that boosted their popularity.
- YB 15th Anniversary Concert (2017) – A massive 30-date tour across Myanmar.
- YB Acoustic Live Concert (2018) – An intimate acoustic set in Yangon.
- YB 20th Anniversary Mega Concert (2022) – A huge anniversary concert at the National Stadium in Yangon.
Plans for Future Concerts
As of October 2023, YB shows no signs of slowing down their live performances. They continue to be one of the most in-demand groups in the country and have several concerts planned for the coming months and years.
For the remainder of 2023, YB is scheduled to perform in the cities of Taunggyi, Monywa, Mandalay, and Yangon. These shows will let them share new music from their latest album while also delivering old favorites to please longtime fans. More cities will likely be added to their 2023 touring plans based on demand.
In 2024, YB intends to hold an even bigger 25th anniversary concert in Yangon to honor their milestones and success over the past quarter century. Given the spectacular scale of their 20th anniversary show in 2022, fans can expect an epic stage production for this momentous occasion. YB may also organize another extensive anniversary tour like they did for their 15th anniversary in 2017.
Beyond their 25th anniversary, YB has expressed interest in doing more international concerts. They want to perform in countries they have yet to visit like Japan, India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia where they know there is an appetite for their music. YB also hopes to return to cities abroad where they have established fanbases like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Melbourne.
Why YB’s Concerts Are So Popular
There are several key reasons why YB’s concerts are always in high demand:
Their Music Resonates Throughout Myanmar
YB’s songs incorporate various ethnic languages and musical styles from different Myanmar states. This helps their music resonate with a diverse national audience despite the group hailing from Yangon.
Their Stage Presence
YB delivers energetic sets with multiple costumes changes and non-stop dancing. Their charismatic performances make every show feel fresh and exciting for the audience.
Connection with Fans
YB actively engages with the crowd during their concerts whether it is hyping them up, cracking jokes, or bringing fans on stage. This personal interaction endears them greatly to their loyal supporters.
Spectacular Production
From pyrotechnics to confetti cannons, YB invests in dazzling stage production to complement their concert experience. Fans come expecting a true audiovisual spectacle.
Setlists at YB Concerts
While YB aims to change up their setlists to keep things unpredictable, fans can count on hearing a few staples at each show:
- “Kabar Makyay Bu” – Their breakthrough hit and always a crowd favorite.
- “Yuwadi” – A high-energy song that gets everyone dancing.
- “Sin Mee Kwar” – A ballad that lights up the arena when fans sing along.
- “Bando Gyi” – An iconic track featured in their big finales.
Beyond these fan favorites, YB makes sure to perform new songs off whatever their latest album release is at the time. They also mix in surprise covers and rearrangements of older tracks to keep loyal concertgoers excited at every show.
Demand for YB Concert Tickets
Tickets to YB’s concerts, especially their anniversary shows, are always in incredibly high demand. Here are some stats that demonstrate fans’ insatiable appetite to see YB live:
- Their 15th anniversary concert in Yangon sold out 8 shows amounting to 160,000 tickets sold.
- 30,000 tickets to their 2022 New Year concert in Mandalay sold out in less than a day.
- Fans waited overnight in long lines just to get tickets for their 20th anniversary mega concert in Yangon in 2022.
- YB’s shows consistently break ticket sale records at major venues across Myanmar.
Given YB’s incredible popularity and the limited supply of tickets, pricing on the secondary resale market often reaches exorbitant levels. Yet their hardcore fans gladly pay the premium as YB concert tickets are seen as hot commodities.
YB’s Position in Myanmar’s Music Industry
YB is undoubtedly the leading hip hop group in Myanmar with an unprecedented level of fame and success. They have achieved numerous career milestones such as:
- Releasing 9 full studio albums since 2002.
- Winning over 50 major music awards.
- Headlining sold-out arena concerts and festivals.
- Earning dozens of brand endorsement deals.
- Amassing millions of fans across social media platforms.
While other hip hop artists enjoy mainstream popularity in Myanmar like Phyo Pyae Sone and Won Let Won, none have managed to achieve the crossover stardom and cultural impact of YB. They are the undisputed kings of Burmese hip hop.
Key Reasons for YB’s Success
There are a few key factors behind YB cementing themselves as Myanmar’s leading hip hop group over the past two decades:
- Prolific output – Releasing albums non-stop since 2002 has grown their fanbase.
- Genre fusion – Blending hip hop, pop and local styles widens their appeal.
- Electrifying concerts – Their live energy makes them a must-see act.
- Savvy marketing – Their strong branding is omnipresent.
- Personality – Their underdog charisma connects with supporters.
Thanks to these smart strategies, YB has maintained their position atop Myanmar’s music industry despite new artists emerging over the years. Their concerts consistently outsell those of other musicians in the country.
Conclusion
YB’s incredible catalog of hit songs and reputation for being incredible live performers explains the overwhelming demand for their concerts year after year. They know how to deliver an electrifying stage production combined with infectious crowd engagement. Myanmar simply cannot get enough of YB as evidenced by their concerts constantly shattering ticket sale records across the country. With major anniversary shows planned in the coming years, expect the hype around YB’s live events to only grow stronger. They will continue dominating as Myanmar’s most popular music act for the foreseeable future.