Sound Issues Dim Holy Ten’s shine, Voltz JT triumphs at Jongwe Corner

Last weekend, the streets of Harare pulsated with energy as hip-hop enthusiasts gathered at Jongwe Corner for an unforgettable showcase. The lineup featured heavyweight artists, rising stars, and unexpected surprises.

From Ti Gonzi’s opening act to Holy Ten’s disrupted set, the night was a rollercoaster. ‘A minute of your time’ review of performances in their lineup on Saturday 03 August?

By Takudzwa Kadzura

Ti Gonzi: The Pioneer Who Set the Stage

Despite his stature as a hip-hop pioneer, Ti Gonzi humbly took the stage first. His performance was a testament to his enduring influence on the genre. As early as halfway the set we knew the HHYG boss was not there to play games. His last minute addition to this event is lesson learnt not to doubt him again.

Tanto Wavie: No Guitar, All Impact

Tanto Wavie came onto the stage with no guitar. The raw energy compensated it. He also needed to know that at Jongwe Corner, revelers are out for Black Label, Dzinga Munyama type of songs not bedroom jingles. Tanto Wavie is a natural whose aura attracted a good number of people in the crowd who were vouching for him to take the night.

Mugaratia: The Student Outshines the Master

Mugaratia, Tanto Wavie’s protégé, raised the bar when he performed first representing Chitungwiza. Teasing songs from his upcoming project, he ignited the crowd and we pray he is humble enough to apologize to his master for nearly hoarding all the limelight.

Voltz JT: A Triumph Over Sound Issues

Voltz JT faced initial sound engineering challenges, but he turned adversity into triumph. Tracks from his upcoming album “N.O.P Makoni” effortlessly resonated. Bringing the ‘real Mkoma Brian’ from the video to the stage added theatrical flair. One conclusion became general consensus; he resembles the rise of a king.

Elluzhen: A Half Chance Seized

He is a guy we wish we knew better thanks to Denzel who whispered that this kid is a grinder as his short performance engulfed the place.

Bagga: The Dark Horse

Bagga emerged as the dark horse of the night. His hits, perfectly crafted sing-alongs (Nhemamusasa which opened his set, Jerusalema, Nhau Yangu, Ndiudze Zvese and Gevha), stirred the crowd. We were not close enough to the stage but he is said to have left the stage in tears and that his mother was present at the show. I personally thought that at this particular venue Bagga would be bullish and dominate but he remained laid back as his music sustained a satisfactory energy.

Bling4: Anthems of Struggle

Bling4’s rap connected with fans who knew every word. When he brought out Runna Rulez, the crowd erupted. They performed together TakanoEazer off the EP Ghetto Yute released this year. And the poetry was "tiri paJongwe takazemberwa netseketsa!" It belonged to Runna Rulez.

“Murume” brought down the ceiling of hip hop and ‘bounce’ which by default was the night’s theme right?

Holy Ten: Sound Disruptions Dim His Shine

The disadvantage of being the most anticipated act is that people will want to judge if you deserved it. The decision to bring his set as exactly as they would have rehearsed somewhere (if they do, chances high they did not) needs to come with flexibility to adjust in particular settings such as Jongwe Corner.

The sound technicians were barely able to do justice for every other artist. Holy Ten bringing own mics was fatal. He went on to at least the second song without realizing people below the stage speakers could hardly hear him. When his set was getting doses of momentum half the crowd was in parking lots dispersing.

Otherwise, Harare’s hip-hop scene is alive and thriving. Until next time!