The 16th edition of the Koroga Festival started on a high note with Maqbuli and Wangui Kabala starting it off with a recap of the previous Koroga Festivals. They made me wish I never missed Awilo, Koffi and Mafikizolo. From what I hear Yvonne Chakachaka set the roof on fire as well. I have to confess this was my first Koroga Festival and I barely knew where to go when I got in. The place was packed with vendors who sought to run your pockets dry. There was a St. James Street where I assumed people went to taste all sorts of whiskey. Eddah’s hope was on a warpath against cancer right on the opposite side of the smoking zone. Well played Koroga *slow claps. They were not only selling a wing and a prayer but good merchandise in support of the battle against cancer and the hope that cancer is not a death sentence.
The Arboretum Gardens was packed by 1. I thought for a second that everyone had carried their chairs from home only to realise that it was actually packed. My consolation was that there wouldn’t be much use for chairs once the music comes on. Everyone ended up on their feet dancing and singing along to Nyota Ndogo, Mercy Masika and Lady Jaydee. The deejay kept the crowd on their feet in between the performances. Meanwhile, this was another excuse for family men to get turnt with their families in the same vicinity having a good time too. Good thing there was a kids section with bouncy castles installed and 1824 was the adult section with the Sunday School filled with spirits that were not particularly holy.
For most, the entire show was spent on the feet. Dancing and chanting to the favourite choruses from the various artists on the stage. Lira unmasked the face of the voice behind the theme song on the famous animation movie, Moana. With that voice, I could see why she has made it thus far with 6 album records and platinum hits. For most, however, Lira was a new face until they could associate her with her accomplishments. The crowd was quick to adopt her style and soon enough the tempo was upbeat. Just when we thought we had come to an amazing climax, it was revealed that it was Lira’s birthday. A cake was cut as the audience joined in to sing her a birthday song!
ART UNDERWORLD 