I decided to position myself right at the back for a more holistic view. Meaning, I got to see who be rolling in, scope the soundman do his thing and more importantly, see how the crowd responds the acts that were going to perform.

Ten minutes after hitting the crowd with back to back commercial joints, they called the first group to step to the mic.

Right after that first announcement, more heads started streaming in, rocking braids, bandanas and baggy gear. I thought to myself, "Yo, they sure look like rappers, but do they have skills to thrill?" With group names raging from Beat Blazers to Rapaholics, I expected tight beats and fat rhymes. Unfortunately, skills were lacking as more emphasis, I feel, were put on presentation. Most crews came offbeat and unclear- rhyming over familiar instrumentals by everyone from the Luniz to Noreaga, which made it a bit monotonous at times. I however, have to give props to Sondy (event organiser) and partner for kicking it in Afrikaans. 

Although the show was mainly rap orientated, there were also all girl singing and dancing groups who, to the amusement of many, shook their buns in ill-synchronicity. which kept the show interesting. 

In my opinion, acts that made show memorable were Rapaholics, Sondy and partner, and Wesley-who did a freestyle. 

Mad love goes out to all crews and the crowd from Arandis, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund who made noise for everyone who performed. Pounds of respect goes to Sondy aka LO˛ for putting together a cool event. I would love to see more Hip-Hop events at the coast, with all other aspects namely, DJing, Breakdancing and Graffity not only MCing represented in the future. 


KOLD STONE

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