21 Jul 2015

Multitudes thronged the Majestic Five Hotel for the second edition of the be Mobile Ke ya Rona Festival.

Long after the trills of warbled notes were delivered on the Majestic Five Hotel terrace, it was the lot whose honour was to making the event a success and ensure the less fortunate got some relief.

The day started with a workshop for the artists. The workshop was a hearty and frank interaction between established artists and the rookies on how to best bestride the narrow rungs of musical success.

When the workshop came to a close and it was time for the artists to go for sound check, it was the scribes who seemed eager to go out of the conference room, all other attendees were still locked in earnest conversation about their appreciation of the rare feat of conversing with their international counterparts.

Out on the hotel pool side, the final tweaks were being made on the set up as laid back music blared from the speakers.

The ambience set the mood as multitudes converged on the pool side with their camp chairs. Banners adorned the venue and the plethora of colour just set the mood right.

The security as promised was beefed up with two different security companies complimenting the police and army presence.

There was not a tinge of tension even with the heavy security presence as the crowd seemed to be well aware they were there to ensure their safety.

Surprisingly, the VIP marque was the biggest by far compared to the past edition meaning a lot more people parted with more cash for charity. It was even the sweeter as their marquee was the first to fill up way before the first act.

A few minutes past what the festival programme had penned as the festival commencement, the first act got on stage.

Dj Sala mesmerised the crowd with his set before Milton took to the decks and wowed the crowd.

Up next was lady of jazz Kearoma Rantao whose live performance she kick started with the crowd favourite ‘Mayibuye I’Africa’ and got the crowd dancing and singing along. By the time she got off stage, the crowd was begging for more.

The MC for the night was none other than Don Seberane and he had the crowd eating out of his palm. Besides, it is known that he can speak the queen’s language as naturally as birds trill and for the ladies in attendance, they were served.

The golden generation had their crooners in succession as Socca Moruakgomo, Selaelo Selota and Ringo Madlingozi took to the stage in succession.

The whole VIP section was on their feet and clamouring by the stage as the crooners belted their classics. For their age, it was surprising they still had that much energy and stage presence, gyrating and twisting amid appreciative whistles and cheers from the crowd.

The frotteur of the day came in the wee hours of Sunday when Trompies took to the stage and all in attendance took to their feet and danced.

It was also the Soweto natives who took it upon themselves to pray before belting their golden oldies much to the amusement of the crowd.

After Trompies, it was Dj Sid or Monnamogolo as his legion of fans prefer calling him.

Though the last act, the crowd was still as ecstatic and vociferous as ever, ushering a new day after a night of worthy indulgence.

As moonlight seeped away and a new day beckoned, one could only appreciate just how well the crowd in Palapye aptly owned the ‘Ke Ya Rona’ tag line and thronged the Majestic Hotel all in the name of charity. BOPA