Fill up Phelandaba stadium gig gives young artistes platform

Langalakhe Mabena

It’s possible for any artiste to come up with a concept of holding his own event, empower young artistes that are under his wings, give them a platform to shine and most importantly, allow youngsters to create and foster a relationship with their potential fans.

The above was achieved on 30 September as the founder of X-Mo Studios Master Zhoe gave his all to shine a spotlight on up and coming artistes in Gwanda as he staged the Fill Up Phelandaba Stadium event.

Tocky Vibes

Organisers of the show agreed that they were testing the waters, as it was the first gig of its kind to be staged in the mining town.

However, the attendance surprised them as about 2000 people thronged the event, where South African Kwaito Kingpin Professor was the headline act.

Apart from Professor other seasoned artistes who took to the stage included Diliza, Tocky Vibes and Master Zhoe himself, beefing up the line-up as a way of giving verve to younger artistes.

Professor poses with a fan

Professor understood the assignment, that of empowering young talent, as he humbled himself and marketed the show through a roadshow which was held around Gwanda town on Friday afternoon.

That on its own gave courage and reason to the people of Gwanda town to grace the show.

Young creatives who benefited from the platform include Ndoe The Dancehall Chanter, Reflection Movers, MC, Khoi Khoi, DJ Hitkiid, Crazy Master as well as Zagoe Radge.

Ndoe The Dancehall Chanter opened the stage and gave a fair performance for an opening act as he managed to capture people during his 20-minute set. Soon after him, Reflection Movers went on to the stage and they delivered good dance moves.

Zagoe Radge

To balance the line-up, award winning Zim Dancehall Chanter Tocky Vibes took to the stage at 10am and he became a darling to many as he performed his hit song Mai, Aenda Nenyika and a couple of songs from his latest Extended Play (EP), Chicken and Chama.

On the sidelines of the show, Tocky who was performing in Gwanda for the first time said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who supported the gig.

“It’s my first time performing in Gwanda and I was surprised by the crowds which graced the event. I always assumed Gwanda is small, but the attendance gave me a different impression,” said Tocky Vibes after his performance.

After giving young artistes ample performance time, Master Zhoe took to the stage just after midnight and delivered a well-polished performance that lasted 30 minutes. Thereafter, he introduced the main act, Professor.

Professor who was also part of Durban’s Finest took to the stage at 1am and he delivered a top-notch performance as he sang hit after hit.

He had fans eating from his palm as they sang along to all the songs, he delivered from Imoto Etshontsh’imali, Jezebel, Lento, Ndincedeni and Beautiful War.

Speaking after his performance, Professor said: “Gwanda has such beautiful energy. From the moment that I arrived here, I was welcomed with love and it’s a blessing realising that there are so many people who admire my music.

“This event was not about me, but it was about uplifting young talent. I’m happy to have been part of the initiative because I also started on a small level.”

Luveve-bred, South Africa-based artiste Diliza who was the last act to perform rocked crowds further.

However, Mzoe 7 who was on the line-up could not perform as he was not in a good space after losing his father two weeks ago. But, as one of the organisers of the gig, he said he was excited that the event was a success.

“We were testing waters with this gig. Some even said we were being over-ambitious in planning a gig to fill up Phelandaba Stadium, but we took the chances and the fans surprised us. We want to thank everyone who supported us,” said Mzoe 7.

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