Helen Herimbi
Following the success of 021 Live Loud in Cape Town and 031 Live Loud in Durban, 5FM and the MRP Group presents Joburg Live Loud at Marks Park on September 12. Over 30 Mzansi artists and DJs will attempt to bring the nation together through banging sounds.
The idea is that South Africans are increasingly becoming consumers of a multitude of genres – which is why the station is happy to play a hip hop song after a rock one and include a pop jam in the same show.
At a press conference launching the all day perfect-for-picnicking event, 5FM’s Station Manager, Justine Cullinan said: “Our job at 5FM is to bring people together through the power of music.”
In addition to sets by artists like Prime Circle, Riky Rick, Zebra and Giraffe, Kwesta, Jimmy Nevis, Black Motion, AKA, Pascal and Pearce, The Parlotones and K.O, the 5FM DJs will also be on the decks. Catch DJ Fresh, Poppy, Roger Goode, Milkshake and Ms Cosmo.
While the Joburg Live Loud concert is a great excuse to take advantage of sunny spring days (hopefully the weather plays along this weekend), it’s also a love letter to the city of gold. Jozi Maboneng. I asked a few of the performers what Joburg means to them.
Prime Circle’s Ross Learmont
What do you love about Joburg? I moved to Johannesburg just over 10 years ago and have never looked back since. I love that there are so many things to do and there is such a mix of cultures that it will always keep you interested and inspired.
If you could compare Joburg to a person, what would its personality be like? Quite a tough person, not easily impressed, but once you get their attention it means more. This person enjoys the night life and respects you if you work hard enough.
In what ways should one live loud? Live loud with the things you love and don’t be ashamed of them, live loud with mistakes because it’s the only way we learn.
What can we expect from your set? A high energy set with a mixture of songs from all our albums. We are coming to knock the stage down so be prepared. It’s going to be a good one. See you there.
Kwesta
What do you love about Joburg? Mainly, I like Joburg’s diversity. There are all sorts of people from everywhere and Joburg is the place where they all meet. It’s colourful and fresh. You’re exposed to a lot of different cultures so you get to learn a lot from people.
If you could compare Joburg to a person, what would its personality be like? Joburg has a very out-there personality! Sometimes it seems like it’s got a split personality.
In what ways should one live loud? Live loud in whatever way you’re comfortable with. You shouldn’t be afraid to take what you believe and bring it out in front of the world. There’s enough noise out there so be yourself and express that proudly.
What can we expect from your set? I have fun on stage so I expect to try and share that with the audience. I have high energy raps and black out on stage so I hope everyone blacks out with me.
Timo ODV
What do you love about Joburg? Joburg is my home. I love the diversity of the people, the music and the cultures. I like how you can’t classify a Joburger.
If you could compare Joburg to a person, what would its personality be like? Its personality would be bold and vibrant. Certainly someone who is outgoing and willing to try new experiences.
In what ways should one live loud? You should be yourself and be proud of who you are. You should stand up for what you believe in.
What can we expect from your set? You can expect my curly fade, live singing and A LOT of house music.
Black Motion’s Thabo ‘Smol’ Mabogwane
What do you love about Joburg? I love the artistic atmosphere of Joburg. Every creative kid wants to see themselves in Johannesburg.
If you could compare Joburg to a person, what would its personality be like? It’s bubbly and vibrant. That thuggish element of Jozi is so outdated.
In what ways should one live loud? Dance is the very form of happiness. When you dance, it shows you are happy. When you dance, you usually have a smile on your face. So live loud through dance.
What can we expect from your set? A lot of fire – especially from our recent tracks. Expect to see a performance of the song with Kwesta and Emily called Addicted(part of 5FM’s Mashlabs series).
l 5FM’s Joburg Live Loud is at Marks Park in Emmarentia on September 12 from 10am. Tickets are R295 at Computicket.