Top 10 moments which made Cassper Nyovest’s #FillUpRoyalBafokeng memorable
15 December saw the celebration of the 5th annual #FillUp experience by Motswako rapper, Cassper Nyovest. This was the first in the platinum province, North West, which is the Mafikeng-born rapper’s home terf. Below is a list of the top 10 things that stood out about the #FillupRoyalBafokeng experience
A royal Setswana culture experience
The event took place in Phokeng, Rustenburg, which is home of the Royal Bafokeng tribe. The Motswako rapper did a fully immersive experience into Setswana culture which played out in various thematics such as inclusion of traditional Setswana dancers who also sang and chanted, as well as boasting incredible visuals of Setswana tribal elements. Also, mid-performance, the rapper sat on a huge African style throne-seat. This was surely the rappers proclamation to owning the throne of SA rap.
The production was lit!
The production of the show included a movie experience which took us on a journey, in a way which was reminiscent of Jay-Z and Beyonce’s On the run tour. He illustrated his come-up through music and life and journeyed us through him becoming one of the most culture defining musicians of our generation. Production is often cited as one of the greatest differentiators to the show offerings and this show did not dissappoint
Genius Real-fan-only moments
The show was riddled with several moments which were so genius that they could be appreciated by his most old-school and authentic fans, yet subtle enough to not isolate new fans. For example, his video production included a moment he told about his hard work and writing rhymes while living in his mother’s house. In the background of this was a piano sample of one his most early songs as a struggling rapper “Holla at a Pantsula”. Moments like these were absolutely nostalgic for the oldest die-hard fans without excluding new age fans.
Motswako Royalty throwback tribute
The rapper invited onto stage Motswako Royalty, rap group Morafe which includes rap giant Khuli Chana, vocalist Kaygizm as well as producer and rapper Towdee Mac. He cited them as a group he grew up listening to and proclaiming appreciation that he wouldn’t be where he is without them pioneering the path through Motswako. They performed Motswako classics like “Dula” and “The whole thing” which was followed by an incredible tribute to the late rap legend, Hip Hop Pantsula, who was Cassper’s mentor. The four Motswako artists performed a selection of HHP’s greatest hits in a beautiful moment honoring the homage to his roots in Hip Hop music. The journey through the history of Motswako music was beautifully juxtaposed against the moment of the #FillupRoyalBafokeng stadium which was near capacity
Tribute to women and plead to stop gender based violence
Cassper did a segment for the ladies singing his hits like “Move for me”, “Babygirl and “Destiny”, with a group of fabulous female dancers which got the ladies dancing and screaming. He ended the segment with a plead to all men to unite to stop violence against women. This was very relevant in light of the recent end of the 16 days of activism against violence on women
Honorary moment for his father
Cassper Nyovest did a very special honorary moment for his father, over the song “Superman”, where his father emerged onto stage dancing, wearing a “Cassper Nyovest shirt”. They embraced and danced together to the song in a very sentimental moment.
Brands enhanced the event experience
The show was sponsored by brands such as Samsung, Ciroc, Standard Bank, South African tourism, SABC and Castle light who enhanced the experience of the show with various contributions including exhibitions, beer gardens and hospitality suites. The stage for the whole show was huge and in the form of a giant “A” which was an immaculate sight from the stands and bleachers. This was put together by headline sponsor, Samsung promoting their Galaxy A range.
The crowd sang Happy Birthday to Cassper!
Concerts are all about the artists singing to the fans and supporters, but the show ended with a grand moment of the crowd being the one that sang to the artist. The show ended around 1h30am, which was right on time for Cassper Nyovest entering his 29th birthday. The show ended with a rendition of “Monate Mpolaye” featuring Pretoria DJ, DJ Sumbody. Followed by lights, cameras and fireworks! Cassper cited “All the time, God is good”, which was followed by the crowd uniting to sing Happy Birthday to Cassper Nyovest.
Excellent lineup with local talent
The Fill Up experience was about was an expedition of various talent. The lineup included a full lineup of some of SA’s best. This year’s event included: Shane Eagle, Shekihinah, Major League, DBN Gogo, Boity, Black Motion, Nadia NAkai and was hosted by Somizi, Carpo, Kamo Mogale, Carol and Lebo Molax
A promise to bring it back home
The artist ended the show by declaring that the show is set to return to home ground in 2020
Written By Ray Itumeleng
