AMERICAN R&B star Ne-Yo promised to be back in the country for a fully-fledged tour, after playing a brief set last night to launch tequila-rum brand Malibu Red.

The Miss Independent crooner performed for no more than 30 minutes at The Venue, in Melrose Arch, before being rushed to OR Tambo International airport for his flight to Paris where he will continue promoting the brand.

Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Smith, has been in the country since Tuesday.

He sang some of his popular hits including Let me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself), from new album R.E.D and Give Me Everything, on which he collaborated with Pitbull.

He also did a short acapella version of Sexy Love.

He shouted in front of the enthusiastic crowd, featuring competition winners and invited guests: ". Shout out to Malibu Red, shout [out] to Johannesburg, shout out to all of the sexy people here.

''I will be back. I better see all of you there," he also promised.

Rapper AKA and pop princess Toya Delazy also performed.

The invited guests included Bonang Matheba, Slikour, Jen Su, Khanyi Mbau, DJs Naves and SPHEctacula and Jena Dover, comedian David Kau and TV presenter Dineo Moeketsi.