Mohalenyane Phakela
TRUE to the adage that quality never goes out of fashion, South African rapper, HHP alias Jabba, proved during the AIDS Benefit Concert, that he still had a lot to offer with a top-notch performance that had revellers dancing and singing along on a rainy Friday night at Maseru Club Grounds.
Bucking the trend of most rappers who simply lip sync their own songs, HHP brought a three piece band which played live instruments as he rode on the beat and in the process, taking the crowd through a memorable journey of bangers like the 2009 classic, Tswaka as well as hits like Harambe, Music n Lights, Futubolo and Bosso, among others.
Speaking to Xpress People after his performance, HHP declared his love for Lesotho.
“The kind of fun and response I get every time I perform in Lesotho feels like one of those first impressions meant to leave lasting memories,” he said.
“Although the crowd was not that big, I had a great time performing and Basotho proved that they still have mad love for me.
“Even if it’s not for the performance, I always try to visit Lesotho every December to unwind.”
He said the fans should expect his new album in April next year.
The AIDS Benefit Concert was held to commemorate the World AIDS Day which falls on 1 December annually. Mobile clinics were also erected to enable those volunteers to be tested and counselled.
The first performer was DJ Snat wa Mazzino who belted out deep House sounds, proving that she inherited the best from her late husband, DJ Pozzino. She was followed by DJ Lym who had had the crowd trying out different dance moves with her rhythms.
It was also an evening in which Sir Schaba teamed up with songstress, Mapule, to perform their Change duet which has been the one of the greatest hits this year even beyond the borders.
Thereafter DJ Linah kept the party going before NINE24 brought a different sound by playing Hip Hop and Naija songs that got people singing along.
Rap duo, Skebz D and Drigger touched many hearts with their AIDS Day commemoration song which encouraged the youth to test and treat as well as avoid discriminating those living with HIV/AIDS.
Apart from HHP, Rapper K.O was another South African who thrilled the audience with popular jams such as Gansta Love, Papa Action and Caracara.
Rapper Kwesta also performed to deafening screams with a live band. His hits such as N’gud, Spirit, Mayibabo and Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe, the latter featuring Thabsie, all received a huge a thunderous ovation from the fans.
It was ultimately a show of the highest standards which was rounded up by the likes of South Africa’s De Mogul SA of O e Batla Kae fame as well as local heavyweights such as Zagro Djs, Juvy and L-tore.