GIVĒON Targets Arena Tour, First Grammy After MSG Sellout

OKLAHOMA CITY (Azat TV) – GIVĒON, the Grammy Award-nominated R&B artist, is actively pursuing a full arena tour and his inaugural Grammy Award in 2026, building on a year of significant milestones including the release of his acclaimed album “Beloved” and a sold-out show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This strategic push reflects his ambition to elevate the live music experience for his fans and achieve critical recognition after accumulating eight nominations without a win.

Last July, GIVĒON released his second album, “Beloved,” which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. The deeply felt R&B project, inspired by iconic Philadelphia Sound pioneers Gamble and Huff, earned a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. However, he ultimately lost out to fellow ISLA Management artist Leon Thomas. Despite this, GIVĒON’s momentum continued, culminating in a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden last November, a testament to his burgeoning popularity and powerful stage presence.

GIVĒON’s Ambitions: From MSG to Arena Stages

For GIVĒON, the drive for a full arena tour is about more than just playing bigger venues; it’s about delivering a consistently high-quality experience to his global fanbase. “I want to do a full arena tour. That’s one of the main things that drives me, just because the quality of the show could be higher for each and every city,” GIVĒON, now 30, told Billboard. He explained that while his Madison Square Garden show featured additional production elements, he wants every fan, regardless of city, to receive the same world-class experience. This focus on consistency and elevated production underscores a mature artistic vision aimed at deepening his connection with his audience.

The Grammy Pursuit: Eight Nominations and Counting

Despite his commercial success and critical acclaim, a Grammy Award remains a key aspiration for GIVĒON. With eight nominations under his belt, the desire for this prestigious industry recognition is palpable. “And I want a Grammy. Please. I’m at eight nominations now. I would like one, please,” he humorously but earnestly remarked to Billboard. His repeated nominations, particularly for “Beloved,” highlight his consistent artistic quality, making the pursuit of that elusive first win a significant narrative in his current career phase.

ISLA Management: The Force Behind GIVĒON’s Rise

GIVĒON’s journey from a server at Bubba Gump Shrimp and a dog walker in Long Beach, California, to a multi-platinum artist has been meticulously guided by ISLA Management, co-founded by Simon Gebrelul and EK. Gebrelul, who also manages reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, met GIVĒON in 2018 through producer Sevn Thomas. Gebrelul’s philosophy, rooted in treating clients like family and prioritizing their long-term interests, proved pivotal. “The biggest thing Simon taught me about longevity was building up your leverage. That comes with quality, being patient and having some business acumen, too,” GIVĒON shared, reflecting on how this approach helped him secure a deal with Epic Records in 2019 and navigate his rapid ascent, which included a breakthrough feature on Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle” in 2020 and his solo hit “Heartbreak Anniversary” later that year.

Gebrelul describes GIVĒON as one of the “COVID babies”—artists who achieved significant success during the pandemic without the benefit of traditional live performance development. This rapid ascent meant GIVĒON had to quickly adapt to major stages like Lollapalooza, Wireless, and Coachella, a testament to his innate talent and the strategic guidance from ISLA Management. The management team’s willingness to “say no” to opportunities that didn’t align with their long-term vision ensured GIVĒON’s financial health and creative freedom, allowing him to take time with his artistic process.

A Distinct Path in R&B

When asked about his place among R&B’s elite, GIVĒON offers a unique perspective, likening the music industry to a garden. “I look at it more like a garden — there’s different types of flowers that are there. Some flowers are going to be bigger than others; it’s just a different thing,” he explained. While he shies away from ranking himself subjectively, he asserts his technical abilities in storytelling, uniqueness, and showmanship. Simon Gebrelul, observing the broader genre, notes a “resurgence in R&B” over the past couple of years, with both established and emerging artists contributing to a vibrant and accessible landscape. This environment allows artists like GIVĒON to carve out distinct identities based on their unique sound, which for him is a “cocktail of all the music I grew up listening to.”

GIVĒON’s focused pursuit of a full arena tour and a Grammy Award marks a strategic evolution in his career, signaling a transition from rapid breakthrough success to a deliberate emphasis on artistic legacy and a deeper, more impactful engagement with his audience. This shift, underpinned by the disciplined guidance of ISLA Management, highlights his commitment to not just achieving commercial milestones but also solidifying his place as a nuanced and influential voice in contemporary R&B.