Mohalenyane Phakela
THE social media sphere is abuzz with anticipation ahead of the 31 October 2015 “Black and Gold Tour/CashTime Maseru Invasion” which has been billed as the biggest festival in recent history.
Set for Durham Link, in Maseru East, the show will feature South African Hip Hop crew, CashTime Family, in its entirety for the first time in Lesotho. Members of the entertainment group have previously performed in the Mountain Kingdom, albeit as individuals.
The festival is also a collaboration between local entertainment outfits, Big Events (Kopper), Mekonko Sound Hire, Individual Max and Hard Liquor in conjunction with internationally-acclaimed liquor brand, Miller.
According to the organisers, who include Kopper and DJ Mekonko, the show is meant to honour the artistry of Hip-Hop artists and blenders as well as dance music deejays.
The event, they said, would be the first of many annual festivals running under the theme “Memories of Right Now” (MORN).
“MORN presents an array of extraordinary performances that inspire and thrill Lesotho’s music lovers,” said Kopper.
“And, for the first time ever, our motherland will witness all Cashtime crew members sharing a single stage. We saw the need for the hosting of a massive festival that would usher revellers into the festive season and also provide local acts with the platform to showcase their talent.”
He continued: “Most artists release their material during this period which they intend to be club anthems throughout the festive period, so we believe this will provide them with that opportunity to get their stuff out there.”
DJ Mekonko also chipped in saying: “We believe in concepts, so what we are trying to do is create memories of right now every year.
“We partnered with Cashtime this year to headline the line-up of this pilot event, but our long-term relations would be determined by the aftermath of the show.”
The Cashtime Family is one of South Africa’s most sought after crews despite being in existence for a few years. The group has emerged as one of the biggest exports of the South African music industry manned by Sori Makhe hitmaker DJ Vigilante, rappers KO of Caracara fame, Kid X whose track Pass ‘n Special is currently a club anthem in his country and beyond, MA-E of the track uGogo and Maggs who is featuring on a number of hits including DJ Dimples’ The Way and Riky Rick’s Amatombazane remix.
“We signed an agreement with Miller this week for them to partner with us and make this show the best the country has ever seen,” said Kopper.
“Miller normally hosts Miller Sound Clash in October, but will partner with us instead this year although they are yet to add other popular artists from South Africa to the show’s line-up.”
The festival will also boast a star-studded list of local acts such as Queen Mo, Juvy, Blaze Shutta Queen, Ebonix, PabloDJ, Vesta, Tshepzadj, Sir Schaba, Kopano the First, OuzySoul, AfroDJ, Hally, Thabbie, Smooth, Boots, Napolenah, Hunky D, Monyase DJ, Harris T and KTA Kings. The organisers, who also include Individual Max, are also lined up to perform at the event.
The festival, which will kick off during the day, will also include such activities as volleyball and sand soccer among others.
It is also supported by Lesotho Times, Ultimate Music Awards, Kaptech and Lighthouse.