It was certainly well-organised, but for a number of reasons, it wasn't a particularly memorable night.
The sound system just wasn't good enough and mics were way too loud. There is really only one solution to this - HIRE A DECENT SOUND and a qualified sound engineer who understand how Hip Hop should sound - until we do that, the sound is always gonna be disappointing.
Jits and Big Idea started off nicely getting people in the party mood, but Endzi's set was the wrong energy for that time of night (no disrespect, but too downbeat, too heavy). Then there was a DJ set in between Endzi and Ben Sharpa - I always think this is a bad idea - people started drifting out of the hall.
Ben Sharpa is my boy, but he was a shambles - way too drunk to be performing. All the impact and entertainment he generated by wearing a full Apartheid-era police uniform (including baton and shades) was dulled by his extended drunken conspiracy-theory rambling between tracks. Thankfully KONFAB came out to hurry him into Statement (where Ben forgot his verse, and his part of the chorus). Writer's Block came out and bundled Sharpa off the stage before he could go into his last track. The crowd looked bemused. Rock n Roll I guess.
KONFAB lost his voice so he couldn't do his solo shit, so Writer's Block did the finale. They seemed pretty low-energy too, so the evening ended with a pop rather than a bang.
I think we need to find a better balance for the line-up if we want to draw more people into these parties. Personally I would always include Rattex and Driemanskap as these boys always bring energy and intensity. I would also have an extended KONFAB set. The DJs need to play more upbeat music too - the whole vibe was too low-key.
The turn-out was pretty good, but I don't think anyone is going to go away saying that they had an _amazing_ night. I know Julian put a lot of work into this, and I also know he is building for the future so big up to him.
I've just got to figure out where I'm going to have the Planetary a**ault launch now,,, but one thing i will guarantee is that the sound will be proper.
