Jozi and The Game rock at The Road to MAMA's

We are just a few days away from the very first ever MTV African Music Awards with Zain, taking place in Abuja, Nigeria on the 22nd of November 2008. Leading to the big event, MTV has been staging shows dubbed Road To MAMA's continentally since last Tuesday. On Thursday was our turn to experience the thrill after their stop in the DRC. On the Mzansi lineup was controversial U.S. rapper The Game, accompanied by our own sizzling hip hop outfit, Jozi; part South African and part American soul singer Goapele; local rockers The Parlotones and Cassette; as well as another local hip hop giant HHP.

Earlier in the day I attended the press conference paneled by, amongst others, MTV Networks Africa Senior Vice President and Managing Director Alex Okosi, who is always such a pleasure to talk with because of his humility and friendly nature; Zain's Marketing Director, Gill (sorry, can't remember her surname); and the artists Goapele, Les and Bongani from Jozi (with Ishmael making a late appearance), Khan from The Parlotones and Zambian volcalist, Danny. The headliner, The Game, was there too, only towards the end of the conference as he was dismally late. The press conference was started without him, 1 and a half hour after the scheduled time. What's even more sad is that once he stormed in, with an entourage of more than 10 people, everybody else on the panel seemed to have been forgotten by the media that posed questions.

I must say I was very impressed with the way he handled the questions though, speaking very eloquently. He touched on a few topics, amongst them mentioning his experience in the DRC, addressing why he brought such a large entourage, as well as his views on how people have lost the definition or meaning of rap beefs. The Game emphasised how important it is to surround yourself with friends and family, resulting in bringing his friends to share his African experience. He also made mention of his rivalry with Dr. Dre, uttering that he hasn't spoken or seen his "mentor" in over a year. He added, "Dre abondoned me. And if he were to ask me to appear on Detox, I would decline".

The array of subjects that The Game touched on also included his views on President Elect Barack Obama, congratulating and comparing his election triumph to that of Mandela's in 1994. Raising eyebrows in the room, he gleefully quipped, "I have killed and fought to survive", when he was asked about some of the challenges he has gone through in his life. He emphasised, however, that he is not proud of those experiences of his life.

Jozi also talked about their journey since bursting into the music scene about 3 years ago. Bongani seemed very emotional and lost for words whenever he spoke about his mother Brenda Fassie. With the recent passing of the legendary Miriam Makeba, many spoke about her achievements and how they are willing to honour her legacy. Alex Okosi excitedly announced, "We are planning on acknowledging Mama Africa during the awards show. It's a pity that this happened at this stage of the preparations because we would have loved to do more. But, there are more ceremonies to come in the future."

Later than evening, we were treated to just a taste of what's in store for the actual awards ceremony this coming Saturday. Danny opened the bill, followed by HHP, who always mesmerizes me with his live sets. Although all their performances were quite short, due to time constraints, my highlight for the night has to be Jozi, who have shown a great deal of growth since their introduction into the music scene. Their performances are always so energetic, thrilling and sincerely entertaining. They brought out a Nigerian group of dancers when their set began, exciting the audiences with their bold and interesting moves. It wasn't just their moves that left the crowds gasping for more, but their engaging interaction with their audience.

I need to utter my disappointment in the crowd's reaction to Goapele's performance. They seemed bored and detached from what was going on. However, I must also point out that it was mostly a hip hop crowd present and probably couldn't relate to the type of music she does. It was only at the end when she did her smash hit Closer, that the crowd seemed to warm up and sing along, but it was too late since that was her closing tune. The Parlotones and Cassette also gave it their all, sampling all their greatest hits we have come to love from both the groups. The Game, the headline act, also did the same. He rapped on songs that have made him popular, from his G-Unit days to the present. Although at times a bit cynical (like taking unwarranted stabs at his former G-Unit frontman 50 Cent), he held it down and gave a great performance. Apparently, me and a friend missed out on a great treat from a 7-year old Soweto boy who stole the show at the end of The Game's set, because we ran out just before the end to avoid the traffic out of the venue.

It was a great evening, filled with loads of entertanimnet. I didn't even chill at the VIP suites because all the fun was down there in front of the stage. The Road To Mama's continues in Zambia and Nigeria this week, before the spectacular finale planned for Nigeria on Saturday. Those that are lucky will get to experience what we did last Thursday and even more at the MTV African Music Awards with Zain on the 22nd of November 2008 in Nigeria. If you can't be there, don't worry, MTV has you covered as they will broadcast the show on MTVbase.

Photos by Xolani Matshikwe