Beachfront show reaches fever pitch

NELSON Mandela Bay music fans sure felt the heat at the weekend as they grooved to crowdpleasing hits at the Metro FM music spectacular – aptly named the Heatwave. The crowd of about 3000 could barely control themselves as popular DJs, who were part of an impressive lineup, churned out hit after hit on Saturday at Hobie Beach.

But some fans were disappointed that a number of artists punted as being part of the enticing lineup did not pitch up to perform.

They included Afro-Pop duo Mafikizolo. The Happiness and Khona stars also dumped Bay fans last year and did not arrive for the Bubele Music festival at the Adcock Stadium, much to fans' disappointment.

The Heatwave was initially scheduled for December 14 but was postponed out of respect for late former president Nelson Mandela, who died on December 5.

Port Elizabeth DJ Mkhululi "Heavy K Drumboss" Siqula received a warm welcome from his hometown fans, getting resounding applause when he stepped on stage.

Delivering hits from his own album, others from his Kalawa Jazmee stablemates and other hit makers, Heavy K had everyone on their toes.

Also sending the crowd into a hysterical frenzy was well-known DJ group Uhuru, who ended their slot with their banging hit, Y'tjukutja. South Africa's very own James Brown, Zakes Bantwini, did not disappoint with his musical favourite, even taking fans back to "where it all began" by bringing on stage L'vovo Derrango.

The two performed songs from L'vovo's debut album, Derrango, including the hit, Resista. One fan, who enjoyed the L'vovo set so much he could not keep still, screamed to his friend during the set: "This is R150 [the ticket price] well spent.

"This is off the hook, gazi."

Party animal Brenda Gangca, of Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, said she had a "dope time", but was disappointed that a lot of artists on the lineup did not arrive.

"The gig also ended long before the anticipated time, but I had an awesome night," she said.

Another fan, Olwethu Gxala, who came from Grahamstown with three friends for the show, said making the trip had been well worth it.

"I danced until my shoe broke, then I just took off the other shoe and carried on.

"Yhoo, Uhuru were on fire. I have never seen people go that crazy, like when they started performing Y'tjukutja."

Gxala said although not all the artists who had been advertised showed up, there was still more than enough to keep her dancing for hours.

"We came here early, about 2pm, so we definitely got our money's worth.

"They should do this more often."

Organiser 360 Degrees View Media spokesman Purari Gotyana yesterday said almost 4000 tickets were sold for the event.

Last week, Metro FM spokeswoman Happy Ngidi said the station was using the event to kick off its roadshow for the 13th Metro FM Music Awards.

But the concert evoked criticism from beachgoers yesterday. They complained about broken bottles and trash left behind.