mwafrika.com - Hip Hope - The Awakening

Hip Hope - The Awakening

21 December 2007 @ Kenya National Theatre

It was easily one of the more anticipated gigs and album launches this year. Hip Hope and Rigga did not disappoint – in fact, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that they laid out the best edition of Hip Hope yet. It was Hip Hope – The Awakening, serving as the December installment of the regular gig, as well as the launch for Rigga’s debut album, The Awakening.

Quite out of character, the gig started over an hour late. By then, fans were already flocking the Kenya National Theatre grounds, and it was a sigh of relief as the doors opened and things kicked off with the day’s MC, Brian King. But that was soon forgotten as the Hip Hope family started the party with an energy packed intro. Dressed in different shades of army fatigue, and bubbling over with energy, it wasn’t long before they had the whole auditorium shouting and jamming along with them.

The day’s curtain raisers were led by Hip Hope front-man, Astar, who started off with the much loved Close Your Eyes, backed by Michelle. He followed it up with Nimechoka, featuring Brian King. The audience was introduced to King’s incredible vocal abilities as he carried the popular (and modified) 'someone please call 911' chorus. Astar’s set paved way for Hip Hope’s generation two to own the stage.

Dee was first with her new track, 50/50, with Rigga making a cameo appearance on one verse. Recent recruit Bupe dropped Without You, and Ciiru finished it off with Break Free. For the first time, these three performed at a Hip Hope event in their own right, and while it’s obvious they still have some distance to go in horning their skills, it was more than a commendable effort. Michelle was last on the roll, starting with Focus and then dropping a surprise jam, Plans. The latter looks poised to become another hit from Hip Hope’s first lady, if the response of the crowd is anything to go by.

Brian King Starts

Dee On The Mic

Ciiru Drops Break Free

Michelle Does Her Thing

But the day belonged to Hip Hope’s last born, Rigga. He ran on stage next amidst deafening screams from his fans, and immediately got down to action. Backed by the entire Hip Hope family, The Awakening title track was first on the service list. Hard punches, high energy, and the trademark Rigga flow characterized this intro, and set the pace for the rest of the performance. Second to be dropped was Without You, the band doing a great job of making a hip-rock sound, to the delight of the crowd.

What’s the meaning of Life? This universal question formed the basis for the next track, L.I.F.E. Capping it off with an accapella rendition and explanations to boot, Rigga urged a sober look at the things we run after in life. Soon after, reggae beats got dancehall heads on their feet as Rigga invited Kanjii Mbugua for You Are God. With its catchy chorus, this song of surrender to God incited serious jamming, with fists raised in the air and voices singing out 'You are God, yes You are'. A worshipful mood permeated the auditorium as this song ended and flowed into Ibada Yangu, again eliciting a sing-along party.

“For this next song, I’m gonna ask you to sit down”

With these words, Rigga introduced the man he calls ‘one of the best pianists in the world’, Aaron “Krucial” Rimbui, for Amini. With Kanjii and Brian King supplying vocals, this haunting song carried through the theatre, with Aaron displaying his usual excellence and flair on the keys. It vamped out into a brief session of worship and prayer, which included an altar call as well.

Rigga Checks In

Fans Show Their Love

Kanjii Gets Jamming

Aaron On The Keys

A brief interlude here saw two lucky fans win themselves albums, while the rest of the audience got free Hip Hope CDs. Five Oh One’s Mutua walked away with a Hip Hope t-shirt, becoming the first non-Kijiji Records person to do so! The next track was Friend Indeed, a big reminder of the explosive duo that is Astar and Rigga, as they traded lyrics. Rigga then invited his mum to the stage, and she turned up with a bunch of flowers and a big hug for her boy.

The afternoon was coming to a close, but there were a few more surprises left for the audience. In what was easily the most powerfully delivered song in this gig, and also the most moving, Kora Award winner Neema Ntaalel joined Rigga for Who Am I. Quite a few sniffles could be heard in the audience as Neema’s powerful voice married with Rigga’s easy flow to serve up an amazing ode to God’s mercies. After a rather long absence from regular performance, it was refreshing to see Neema has lost none of her zing.

The entire Kijiji family joined in for Mabadiliko, before dropping the evening’s last jam, Go. Already street-popular, it was a fitting end to this incredible evening, with Astar, Juliani, Michelle and Rigga delivering a power-packed verse each. Some dancing routines were in order, leading them a duty deftly shared by Juliani and Brian King.

The words of one of the fans who attended the gig, Steve Kamau, just about sum up what Hip Hope – The Awakening was like:

“It was hot! Absolutely hot! I left there telling everyone who didn’t make it ‘you have no idea what you missed’!”