Although we got there 4 hours late (true African time) and missed a few performances, boy did we have a good time. The event was the DRUMBEAT Festival held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Friday & Saturday (1st & 2nd ) June. The event was presented by Toyota in association with Hilltop Live and Amstel Lager.
One would think that it would take artists like Mi Casa & HHP to really sell this 2-day event, but you had to be there to experience the electrifying performances. From Asanda Bam, Vusi Mahlasela and Sibongile Khumalo, the artists themselves braved the cold and made it one experience that anyone fortunate enough to be there could appreciate.
The real hassle with the event is the transition from venue to venue, walking in those cold elements wasn’t fun, Sitting down and experiencing the raw talent that is the foundation of the South African Music industry though, made up for all of it in ALL respects.
HHP made us wait for an interview hle, he got there late and had to go straight for preparations - then it was his outsanding perfomance with the Amstel choir. After that he was gone, how rude! lol i am his biggest fan and wanted to have a moment with him. hehe.
Lira also performed with the East Rand arts school learners, hehe those girls' uniform skirts were just too short for that cold weather and nje to wear to school.
The other annoying thing was all the old people who kept screaming for Bra Vusi Mahlasela to come back on stage even though they knew that he’s sharing the stage with Karen Zoid. I mean really, couldn’t they contain their excitement for one second so she could perform first? They ended up warming up to her to a point where it turned from a performance to a party atmosphere in the venue.
The “babies” on the line-up didn’t disappoint either. Lira, Zakes Bantwini, Toya Delazy, HHP and Micasa stepped up to the game and really pulled through the live element of the concert. Unfortunately, the young couldn't REALLY appreciate the maturity of SOME artists, like Jazzanova, they pulled thru and didn’t seem to mind the cold air that seemed to lay over the venue.
Here are the who ’s who that i spotted in between the performances
Ms Nambitha Mpumlwana she looks slimmer in real life and what a friendly soul.
Selaelo Selota, who asked us 21 questions before posing for this pic. I heard that him and Lira requested that no photos should be taken and no interviews.
Mi Casa, the repackaged platinum edition with new tracks AND a live DVD album is coming out next year.
These guys here gave us a great perfomance and I hope they stay a group for a very long time because each one of them has a great element that makes Mi Casa the biggest group right now in Mzansi.
Lerato of BBA fame.
A lot of people I follow have been saying that this lady deserves a show of her own, i kinda agree that she would fit in well at RGB to do commentary on something. She has been the top commentator for me on 10 Over 10.
Motlatsi aka Sechaba from Isidingo - me thinks he is the future of SA acting industry.
Koyo of 3Sum fame.
I asked about the article on Sunday Sun about him having cancer, he confirmed that it's true - he has cancer and is undergoing treatment.
Now in between that, him losing his mother recently and finding out about HIV you would think it will be too much for one person to handle. But nah, not Koyo, he sounds very positive about life, and i wish him a speedy recovery and all the best for the future.
Although i ended up not being able to speak to the DRUM editor i think this event was a success, it attracted your more 'working-class' market and hopefully we get to see more events like this celebraing local talent. I just wanna thank Simone from Red Carpet Concepts for taking care of me the whole evening, and organising those interviews. What a great organised young lady, i hope they inviteTVSA to more of their events.