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The sessions have been running for the past four weeks and take place every Saturday at Cape to Cairo gardens. The sessions, which are organised by a local website called www.da-grape-vine.com, are a platform for locally established as well as up-and-coming artistes of different genres to come together and perform with each other.
First on stage last Saturday was P.O.Y and he showed why Bulawayo is well known for the best in hip-hop in the country.
He performed his new single A Champion’s Dream and kept the sizeable crowd that had gathered at the show on their feet.
Not to be outdone, Maskiri, of the Blue Movie fame, who has found a new home in Bulawayo was next to get the crowd on their feet. Maskiri now lives in Southwold.
He showed that he still has the touch with the microphone and being in Bulawayo has actually given him a rebirth.
Local up-and-coming Mzilikazi-based hip-hop group Kasi Lunatics showed the people that the musical future of Bulawayo was safe. Their song Masenza so! featuring another up-and-coming artiste, Ricco, had everyone singing along as they are familiar with it.
Local dancehall artistes Ras Python and Centre Party had a head-to-head freestyle session to see who was best on the microphone.
The two wanted to settle the ever-growing debate on who is better. In the end both chanters were crowd favourites.
Dancers then got the crowd to pull out their cell- phones and take footage as they entertained the audience through a hip-hop dance style known as Krumping.
Members of King’s Fam showed off their moves to the Battle Of The Year (BOTY) judges from Harare who were there to spot talent for the annual BOTY hip-hop showdown set to take place in Harare later this year.
After the show, organiser of the event, Leeroy “Spinx” Britain said he was happy with the event and the big names that came to support.
He said they would continue to support local music.
“I am happy with the turnout and it is pleasing to have up-and-coming artistes sharing the same stage with established artistes. This will aid in spreading unity among artistes hence more collaborations and musical growth across all genres,” said Spinx.
In an interview, P.O.Y said the show was good for Bulawayo musicians as it gave them a networking opportunity.
He said there was demand for music that was locally made as evidenced by the good turnout.
“It’s great for Bulawayo hip-hop and the session will be good for up-and-coming artistes to learn live performances.
“This serves as evidence for local promoters that there is demand for local music. It is also a chance for musicians to network,” said P.O.Y.
Maskiri said the show was successful and lauded the organisers.
He said Bulawayo music was good but most of it was found underground and artistes should concentrate to commercialise it.
“Bulawayo musicians should be more serious with commercialising their music. Right now it’s just underground and what I have heard is good,” said Maskiri.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter