adminPROVING to his detractors that not only international artists can draw bumper crowds to one of Johannesburg’s biggest concert venues – the Ticketpro Dome – Cassper Nyovest has sold out the 20,000 capacity venue.
Since announcing that he planned to sell 20,000 tickets in less than three months for what he dubbed #FillUpTheDome, Cassper, real name Refiloe Phoolo, has spun a web around his naysayers, doing exactly that, making him the first South African artiste to do so.
On Monday, he announced that his goal of having South Africans support their own music had been reached, stating that he was now eyeing Orlando Stadium which has a 40,000 sitting capacity, Ellis Park Stadium with 60,000 seats and FNB Stadium with room for 90,000 fans.
Filling the dome was just the first step; the multi-award-winning hip hop artiste still needs to prove his worth come Saturday.
“I’ll do a one-hour set with a live band then the other part will be a digital performance.”
But the top entertainer claims the big Ticketpro Dome gig has hit him hard in the pocket.
“We’d to put gigs on hold in preparation for this event. The show has been creatively and technically crafted to provide an exceptional entertainment experience. We’ve been hard at work and Mzansi will love what’s coming,” Cassper told Daily Sun.
Lucky fans attending the concert will receive free copies of his latest album – Refiloe – which will be released on the historic day. Besides a collaboration with US hip hop artiste, The Game, the album also features artistes Black Motion, Mahotella Queens, Stonebwoy, DJ Drama and the real Doc Shebeleza.
Having dropped out of high school in 2006 and moving out of his parents’ house to fulfil his dream as a musician, Nyovest has not only done what many thought was impossible, as he is now a celebrated musician and MTN ambassador in a deal rumoured to be worth more than R10m.
An official from MTN South Africa, Larry Annetts, said they had chosen Cassper as he appeals to the majority of their customers.
Cassper said: “I represent something they seem to have an interest in, and believe I’ll best carry their message. I believe it’s a little more than just about popularity because there’s a lot of popular artists and other celebrities out there.”
Key facts about #FillUpTheDome
l Cassper is the first South African artist to sell out the Ticketpro Dome
l The concert cost Cassper R4 million of his own funds
l He is spending more on the concert than he is expected to rake in a profit
l There are two main sponsors (BP and AG Mobile) on board, one of which Cassper will be working with to design a cellphone
l Cassper plans to take the fill up the dome concept nationwide, hosting tours in local towns and townships around South Africa. — Online
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo