GIMC cooler box ban leave sour taste in revellers’ mouth

The GIMC concert could possibly have clocked a higher attendance had the organisers allowed cooler boxes or at least sold a variety of beverages. The ‘no cooler box’ policy, which was communicated via social media, killed the vibe.

When you host a venue of that magnitude, it is OK to please “the masses” (considering that you want their money) and put mechanisms in place to deal with hiccups that might emanate. There were many security and police personnel who could have thoroughly searched cooler boxes at the gate.

Although the gig was headlined by ‘big’ names such as Nasty C, Vee, Dramaboi, Lady Zamar, Prince Kaybee, Master KG, Sjava and La Timmy among others, it did not attract multitudes unlike the previous editions when the National stadium was packed to the rafters.
I bought 440ml cans of my favourite beer and stuffed them in my bag and throughout the night I would pull out one and drink it from the part sponsor branded cup.

I was not going to subject myself to bland beer. There were no other beers or even ciders available except that of the part sponsor, as well as whisky, vodka and cheap red wine served at the VIP section. Surely people should have the freedom to enjoy their drink of choice on a night out of hard partying?

Sadi Dikgaka and Loungo Pitse were great MCs, together with Somizi Mhlongo, who is overrated but sure is fun. He took to the stage dressed in an outrageous furry yellow coat that made him look like a newly hatched chicken. The 45-year-old’s handsome 24-year-old boyfriend is seemingly good for him because Somgaga, as he is popularly known, has the energy of a 21-year-old.

Lady Zamar has slimmed down and is looking fabulous but her dress style still leaves a lot to be desired. She wore a lace frock that made her look like she had made a detour from a wedding in the village. But nevertheless, her music is great and her live performance of hits such as Collide and Criminal were on point as she and her dancers shook what their mamas gave them.

Vee was probably one of the best performers of the night and while he churned his new hits, he also performed old songs such as Taku taku and Zola, which were a hit with revellers, who stomped and wiggled madly. The biggest disappointment on stage was Sjava’s whose outfit was whack as his performance. He looked sullen as if he had been forced him to perform.

It was not Prince Kaybee’s best set but I enjoy his music and he is so sexy and cute that one can’t help but forgive him without batting an eyelid. The celebs, wanna-be celebs and party animals: from the drab to the fab, turned it up in the VIP section.
The drinks flowed like a perennial river and by 3am most of the revellers were gyrating like crazy, with the wild partying going on until the crack of dawn.