STUDIO83

As I walked into Lemon8, it was a matter of a kiss here, a hug there, a hello near, a wave far. It was filled with so many familiar faces and some famous faces and the odd unknown face as well. The music that was playing was the kind youngins of today call grown folk music. I walked in with my head bopping before I even got myself a beverage. The energy was hopeful, anticipating and exciting - we were all there to hear a friend's works, a friend we've all heard sing but were not near to ready for what he dropped last night. The people were like-minded souls, the music marinading our ears for what was to befall us from the awesome, talented Kabomo Vilakazi.

The man had an 11-piece band. Yes, you heard right, 11-piece band. I must admit, when I stood looking at the naked stage draped only with musical instruments, I wondered whether there would be these 11 people backing Kabomo up. My doubts were immediately shattered when everyone stood there, in front of their musical weapon of choice, warming up with a Brian McKnight song while the man of the night was in the wings saying his final prayers.

It was such a real moment when he stood up on that stage and mouthed the word WOW! a few times. He looked so humbled and so grateful for all those faces that were beaming up at him, adoringly. And the launch was underway. This will be the only negative thing I will say: the sound was very bad. #thatisall.

Kabomo really hooked it up. The man has a natural comfort on stage. He makes it look easy. And he really believes and loves what he does and that comes through - which makes it so much easier to appreciate him and love his music. I remember thinking that his beats are so dope. And while I was still doing that, he starts to tell us that he's doing a tribute to a great that is still living - as he does not believe in recognising an artist after they pass on. The band start playing Stimela by the legendary Hugh Masekela. My friend, Nomfundo, and I erupted most in the place. That's when Kabomo sealed the deal for me, he was an artist and performer - finish and klaar. Anyone who disputes that is a hater, plain and simple.

Kabomo then pulled out two rabbits out of his hat - HHP and Nothende. I remember when HHP came on stage, George called me to ask me whether I'm paying attention - LOL! I assured him I was and went right back to catching the last bit of HHP's raps. Nothende on the other hand, I saw from start to finish. Remember that negative thing I wrote about the gig, well yeah, the mics were just not the greatest, but Nothende for some reason pushed her voice right out of that slump. She killed it and I loved how Kabomo allowed her to. He did that a lot, allowed each person their own moment to shine on his day - quite admirable indeed.

After he performed his last track, we sang happy birthday to him and The Berlin Boys started with the beats. The energy was different then - people were now talking about their awe and were all feeling quite content - they had gotten what they came here for. And when that happened, people didn't see any other reason to stick around. And so, one by one, people said their congratulations and goodbyes and the beautiful, old school music was echoing in the beautiful venue.

Kabomo - All Things Grey from George Gladwin Matsheke on Vimeo.

Kabomo had done it!