Jay Z in .ZA

“Now can I get an encore, do you want more
Cookin raw with the Brooklyn boy
So for one last time I need y'all to roar…”

With opening lines like these for a verse, one can understand why Jay Z is touted as the lyrical genius. His word play comes second to none of the other known words-smiths. His final leg tour with Rihanna, the Caribbean songstress, staged at the Dome in Northgate Jozi was one not to be missed. Our own Kabelo of TKZee fame was billed as the local supporting act and he did not disappoint. He delivered are spirited performance including hits from his latest offering and had the crowd in a grooving mood. Next up was Rihanna who made sure her presence was felt through her wicked dancing moves while belting out chart toppers like “ ‘Pon de replay”, SOS and finished off with a Bob Marley classic, Redemption Song that got hundreds of souls in the Dome singing along. Mo’ Faya! We thought. The mood dulled as there was silence for about 30mins while awaiting the show stopper of the night, Jigga.

Between the silence and going to the Heineken stand, I met a quite a lot of interesting aspects about the crowd in attendance. There were a large number of teen followers who most surprisingly were accompanied by their parents and or elders who couldn’t keep up with the demands of marauding through the dense crowd in search of a better view of the US hip hop mogul whom was eagerly awaited for with baited breath. It wouldn’t have taken a 6yr old whiz kid to realize that this was a hip hop concert. Fans came though in their enterprising regalia, blings of note, all things baggy and most notably all things beautiful. For the eligible bachelors, this was the perfect hunting ground. We all fell prey to Sean Carter’s, aka Hova, bite as his tour dj, Green Lantern, exqusitley introduced H to Izzo with a remarkable offering of supreme turntablism. Wicked scratches and beat cuts was the order of the day. Moment of truth. Enter Jay Z. From his first song, he had the crowd eating out of his palm. One great thing was that the show was about reaching the people- no dancers were present as part of his stage act. His sidekick, Memphis Bleek was on site to add jam to the doughnut while performing massive crowd favorites like: “Girls, Girls, Girls”, “Big Pimpin”, 99 problems” and all time classics like “ Hard Knock Life”. The screams could shatter ones ear drums but one had to endure it as this was a performance of high regard. Jigga made the stage his, connected well with his fans and kept them truly entertained. During his amazing set he paid tribute to hip hop’s most beloved sons and daughters from Tupac, Biggie, Aaliyah, Left Eye, Jay Master Jay, Easy E, etc to the crowds’ delight. The organizers did a splendid job, from security to the sound-all was great. The show was success and Jigga, personally, said the Jozi crowd was the best he’s seen.

In an orderly fashion, after the last beat dropped, the fans headed home after an experience I believe they’ll remember for moments to come. These words truly reflect the essence and the charisma that is H.O.V.A!

“Who you know fresher than Hov'? Riddle me that
The rest of y'all know where I'm lyrically at
Can't none of y'all mirror me back?

I came, I saw, I conquered
From record sales, to sold out concerts
So if you want this encore
I need you to scream, 'til your lungs get sore!!”