When Cassper Nyovest announced his intention to fill up FNB Stadium, even his rival rapper AKA tweeted: “You gotta at least respect that”.
On Saturday, the Mafikeng-born rapper proved he was King of the Jungle, living up to his newly-acquired "Mufasa" tag. A reported 68 000 tickets sold, and Nyovest responded with an electric performance.
The stage was tailored to his Mufasa-themed party, with the two lions on each side of the stage, and the visuals were spot on. Despite the chilly wet weather, revelers flocked to the stadium, eager for their chance to be part of history.
It always looks impossible ... until it’s done. #FillUpFNBStadium pic.twitter.com/iCyNzWnkJb
— Vusi Thembekwayo (@VusiThembekwayo) December 2, 2017
Nyovest made a grand entrance, draped in a lion skin, with a mounted head hanging over his shoulder.
Mad respect @CassperNyovest🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 #FillUpFnbStadium pic.twitter.com/6C3EDGYlM3
— #YaBadimo (@black_motion) December 3, 2017
His garb was in keeping with his Instagram campaign, which saw him pictured in bits of Setswana traditional gear. In some of his performances he rocked a loin-skin called (tshega), the Batswana traditional outfit, with his dancers in wearing matching makgabe (Setswana traditional wear for young women) and watching them perform their Setswana dance routines was breathtaking.
Watch: @CassperNyovest using his platform to encourage the youth to preserve and promote African arts and culture. #FillUpFnbStadium pic.twitter.com/6Qr96lzZn2
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) December 3, 2017
The crowd was ecstatic when Cassper brought out his mentor HHP to perform "Wa Mo Tseba Mtho", loosely translated (You know this person/him). It has been a while since the pair performed together following their fall out in recent years. It was during this performance that it started to rain.
The Mama I Made It star thanked HHP aka Jabba for the role he played in his career. Then he pointed to the crown and said: "This is your product".
The night was nothing short of spectacular with featured performances by Kwesta, Riky Rick, and the Durban kings and queens (DJ Tira, Babes Wodumo, Distruction Boyz).
Watch: @CassperNyovest and @BabesWodumo rocking the stage together at the #FillUpFNBStadium concert. pic.twitter.com/ylmsh4UOKS
— Tebogo Ditshego (@TebogoDitshego) December 3, 2017
@KwestaDaKAR'Spirit'🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 #FillUpFNBStadium pic.twitter.com/8nD8RjYSLt
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) December 3, 2017
And then you can only imagine what went down when Distruction Boys @DistructionB with @DJTira on the decks, came through with the song of the Summer 'OMUNYE!'🗣 #FillUpFnbStadium pic.twitter.com/tL4u50ZPhN
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) December 3, 2017
A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS ❤️ #FillUpFNBStadium pic.twitter.com/aev71cgoWn
— #StayShiningEP (@rikyrickworld) December 2, 2017
Cassper also brought on stage his Family Tree crew and they were fire in the rain, with Nadia Nakai catching the eye in her two piece wonder woman bikini-like gear paired with knee high boots and her signature dance moves.
#FillUpFNBStadium was legendary‼️ Thank You Cass! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/R3qk1bi2iC
— BRAGGA (@Nadia_nakai) December 3, 2017
Cassper closed off with his "Tito Mboweni" hit track, accompanied by fireworks, a true celebration of his success.
Now his sights are set on Durban and filling the Moses Mabhida Stadium.With congratulatory messages from politicians, fellow musicians and local celebs coming in thick and fast, it seems as if the whole of Mzansi is behind him as he plots the next step in his #FillUp journey.
Congratulations to @casspernyovest for making history last night #fillupFNBstadium #BlackExcellence
— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) December 3, 2017
Yoh, haai!!! What an incredible night!!! #FillUpFNBStadium
— Boity Thulo (@Boity) December 2, 2017
@CassperNyovest for #FillUpFNBStadium you builded unforgeable history.... Bring more for the next years...and @Nadia_nakai pic.twitter.com/sTKeqxdphe
— Leleti Khumalo (@RealLeletiSA) December 3, 2017
What @CassperNyovest managed to do last night was nothing short of remarkable. I'm trying to work out how people think they possibly could throw any hate at this achievement???🤔Let's just give credit where it's due.
Well Done Refiloe!👏🏾✊🏾🙏🏾🇿🇦 #FillUpFNBStadium🏟 pic.twitter.com/y6wa3wgnDW
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) December 3, 2017
I don't think people realise that 68 000 is only 7 000 short of 75 000.
To me that's WAY MORE than most artists in the WORLD can do. @CassperNyovest is a legend. #FillUpFNBStadium pic.twitter.com/t2eMqrcp22
— JAY NINE (@TheRealJayNine) December 3, 2017
King @CassperNyovest making history, showing South Africans we can never dream too big, we can achieve anything and that hard work pays off.
Congratulations! 🙏👑 #FillUpFBNStadium #FillUpFNBStadium pic.twitter.com/mj9Yj3KdzH
We conquered 🌍 @CassperNyovest you did an amazing job last night King 👑🦁 #FillUpFnbStadium was nothing short of iconic 🙌🏽
— King👑 (@CharmaineFynn) December 3, 2017
Kwesta thanking Cassper Nyovest, for making South African Rappers believe it's possible to have such a huge concert at his concert at FNB Stadium, to which 68,000 tickets were sold. #FILLUPFNBSTADIUM Credit: @Vuksido. pic.twitter.com/kgd8L1edvq