Motswako rapper Tuks
The Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival kicked off with a bang on a picturesque Friday night, featuring some of the greatest legends of Motswako rap—Khuli Chana, Tuks, Mo Molemi, and Nothsi—delivering electrifying performances that captivated the crowd.
This four-day celebration not only showcased the rich musical heritage of the North West but also served as a heartfelt tribute to fellow icons lost to the industry.
The festival had already made its mark on Thursday, with a soulful and spiritual atmosphere setting the tone for the weekend.
Friday night elevated the energy further, as Motswako blends complemented the vibrant Mapiano and Barcadi beats spicing up the scene.
Notable performances from King Monada, Daliwonga and DJ Tira added to the festival's allure, creating an environment ripe with cultural pride.
During their performances, the Motswako legends took a moment to honour fellow artists HHP and AKA, both of whom left an indelible mark on South Africa's music landscape. Ahead of his set, Khuli Chana shared his anxiety over the performance, noting that he had to wait longer than expected to take the stage.
“I am always nervous before every performance, but once I get up there, I lose myself to the moment and the energy I receive. This crowd, which is my home crowd, is tough, but making them happy makes up for everything,” he expressed passionately to The Star after his performance.
Tuks, performing alongside his long-time collaborator Mo Molemi, echoed Chana's feelings, reflecting on the temporary lull of the Motswako movement in the hip hop scene. However, he remains hopeful for the genre's future, praising the young artists continuing to represent it proudly.
“I am always cooking and recording new music whether for a niche or mass market. I have never stopped, in spite of people not having access to my music as was the case when Motswako was dominating the market,” he revealed.
Mo Molemi, who balances his passion for rap with farming, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, highlighting its capacity to unite friends and industry stalwarts. “It is always beautiful being part of this festival. I always look forward to it as it brings all of us together,” he stated, showcasing the camaraderie within the genre.
Following the success of the 2023 festival, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation in the North West Province has already announced plans for the 2024 Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. Virginia Thlapi, the provincial MEC for sports, arts and culture, highlighted the importance of fostering social cohesion through this festival, saying, “Mahika Mahikeng is one of the festivals that brings everyone together to showcase the great cultural tapestry of the North West as a province.”
Thlapi continued, “This province has given us stars such as HHP, Stoan, Tuks, KB, and many others. We are happy to partner with the organisers of the festival as social cohesion, youth development, and creating job opportunities for young people is close to my heart. We want to expand our ability to increase our footprint, and I believe we can go far if we include our cultural dance and other forms of expression to benefit our people.”
The festival concluded on a high note with an impressive jazz and soul line up on Sunday, while comedy took centre stage on Saturday, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience for attendees throughout the weekend.
The Star
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