Edited by Nyiko Baloyi
Photography and Artwork by Nyiko Baloyi
On a normal
day the Drill Hall is just a spot in the most chaotic precinct in Johannesburg,
Noord! However on Friday, 28 September, it was transformed into an underground
hip hop rapture courtesy of the well-known and highly respected KGB. The
evening saw soldiers’ march towards the venue anticipating the great
performances lined-up. It promised to be a lyric laced night.
The
initiation of the show saw the legendary DJ Killa Kane casting some crazy
tracks at the eager crowd, the excitement he came in with was reflected in the
versatility of the set that was showcased. The heads will agree when I say that
no moment during his time on the decks went by without the ‘boom-bap nods’
doing their duty. His aim of moving others while they enjoy themselves was
truly accomplished and as his name hints, he killed it!
DJ Killa Kane/Illawon Kane
Following
was DJ HiHats who did not seize to amaze, he kept the momentum at its max,
elevating the heat and hitting the hearts where they desired.
HiHats
The
stage probably itched from awaiting the artists to jump on it and when the time
for the performances came, the KZN-based Barrel shot out a trance with his raw
Zulu rap. Umlisa wegigaba‘s flow
caused mouths to cringe, you went on some ancestral nostalgic trip with the hip hop keba from the coast. Heads
should just shikisa and nyakaza for this cat, he is the future!
Barrel
Speaking
of the tense the next artist was one who lived in the present with her
strikingly realistic lyrics and her inescapable presence on stage, QBA really
is a force to be reckoned with. She addressed the struggles women go through in
the ghetto, the “nightmares in the day”, issues in the underground scene she
called it stagnant due to the lack of support when it comes to purchasing each
other’s material. The crowd loved her, she made her point and I hope they got
it!
Qba
Next
on the awesome row was Book of Life, hailing from Tembisa, who performed with a
talented band and they brought the fire. Their sound took you on a long drive
that encouraged you to be yourself and to also just breathe!
Book Of Life
The Band
The
platform was not ready for the following act; Projektah blazed the stage when
he did collaborations with Shynin Armour, Digital Fungus, Quaz, Phait-N-time
and TNT. The energy dispersed electrocuted every soul there, lessons were
received and yes it was nice like that!
Projektah
And
for the main act the stage was torn apart, literally, ICON the Mic King from the
United States of America just couldn’t keep it together. He did the sickest
freestyle ever, wait for it…blindfolded!
Icon The Mic King (USA) Freestyling blindfolded!
He
used random objects from the crowd constructing lines so dope you would swear
he was busting scripts, classic! His intentions of bringing the hard-core raps
and the partying were brought to life, he made the audience run and when he was
done they were ready for war indeed! When asked if he will return to South
Africa, a definite and unhesitant yes followed, he is loving visit.
Everyone
there had a great time, the partying and just the overall experience. It was an
evening night greatly spent. BIG UP to KGB for great music played and the
organising of the event. Respect! Long live hip hop!
DJ KGB
EMagazine First Rating: 4/5
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