JOHANNESBURG – President Jacob Zuma on Monday congratulated South African Hip Hop artist Cassper Nyovest for being the first local musician to fill the 20 000 seating capacity Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.
At the weekend Cassper Nyovest, whose real name is Refiloe Maele Phoolo, made history by playing to a sold out Dome, without the assistance of any international act.
Extending his congratulations and encouragement, Zuma said: “We congratulate Cassper Nyovest for his tremendous success which has demonstrated the rich talent that exists within our country’s music industry especially amongst our youth”.
The president added: “Cassper has also confirmed the enormous support for local music by our youth, which augurs well for the development of our arts, culture and heritage,” said President Zuma.
“So much history was made last night!!! So much peace was in the building !!!! It's bigger than me!!” was Cassper Nyovest’s triumphant poston the weekend.
He added a bold statement, laying out another challenge to top himself: “Next year we are doing Orlando Stadium!!! 40 000 people !!! Mark my words!!! RT if you will be there!!!”
Fans and entertainers alike were also gushing over the rapper’s achievement on social media.
Even SA’s goldenboy of comedy Trevor Noah, who is a groundbreaker in his own right as The Daily Show’s new host in the US, posted a message of congratulations. The post was an obvious reference to one of his memorable stand-up gems about the Caster Semenya saga. “Well done Cassper. Well done!” he said.
The rapper’s achievement has apparently had a political impact as well, with politicians attending and commenting on the event and what it means for the South African music industry as a whole - adding commentary on South African media.
“We need to see media transformation..that acknowledges SA peeps who change the game..instead they focused on New Zealand,” @ANCJHB said in a twitter post. They added that it was “a historic moment for SA music..but the local media didn't cover this extensively... it shows who still owns media”.
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula - who was snapped at the event with the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Julius Malema and kwaito music mogul Oskido - expressed his passion for South African music, which was clearly stirred by Cassper’s impressive feat at The Dome. Ahead of the concert he tweeted: I've not been to a live concert since LutherVandross and Brenda fassie days, but today am standing up am going to the dome (sic).”
Later he added: “SABC must play 60% local and 40% international everyday all stations ...#SupportLocalMusicIndustry”.
Mbalula had also shared a comical post ahead of the event:
The list of people who don't want to #FillUpTheDome pic.twitter.com/fkfWUf5Hgv
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) October 31, 2015
TV personality Sizwe Dhlomo said: Now, let me tell you something here boys & girls... Cassper had better production on this show than Kanye West!”
Dhlomo also responded to a fan asking for a #FillUpTheDome live DVD to be released by Christmas. He seemingly has inside information, as he said: “Next year apparently”.
Rapper Da L.E.S, who is best buddies with Nyovest’s biggest rival AKA, said: Well done @casspernyovest another milestone for SA Hip Hop congratulations.
The celebrations didn't stop there for Nyovest, as he shared two exciting announcements via Twitter after the event:
Oh yeah uhmm, my 2nd album went Gold in 3 hours. It'll also be in stores next week. Enjoy #Refiloe
— October 31st TheDome (@CassperNyovest) November 1, 2015
BLESSED! the family has over 20 nominations at #SAHHA2015🙏🏾 s/o @ANATII @CassperNyovest @MAJORLEAGUEDJZ @GanjaBeatz @GeminiMajor Well Done
Mi Casa's J'Something: Well done @CassperNyovest well done champ... So proud of you!
DJ Zinhle: God given moment. @Nomndeni & I have not stopped taking about it. The power of dreams. Well done @CassperNyovest
Rapper Khuli Chana: Congratulations on making history
@anelisa_tuswa: Can @forbesafrica feature @CassperNyovest on the next edition? Atlist we have faith in Forbes celebrating African excellence
@jesmejesica: If there were 2 things to remember about 2015 in South Africa, its #FeesMustFall and #FillUpTheDome.
Ntokozo Dhlomo: #FillupTheDome is also having positive impact in business. It was bigger than just the dome. A true catalyst of change
IOL and ANA