Congolese soukous master Koffi Olomide and his 25-person entourage delivered a thrilling act at the Independence Stadium on Saturday evening.
Koffi had the estimated 4 000 people in attendance in ecstasy before he even walked onto stage when he did his mic-check from backstage in his deep baritone voice.
In true Koffi style, the flamboyant Congolese dressed in a yellow knee-high palazzo, complemented with a designer black and yellow military-style blazer accessorised with gold chains and rings and yellow cap, received a hearty welcome by the throngs of fans as he walked onto stage hands held high.
With his trademark sunglasses, Koffi sang mostly his old songs, including his 1997 hit ‘Loi’, backed up by the gyrating hips and stomping feet of his dancers dressed in red.
The drizzling rain that fell just as President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos arrived at the venue moments earlier before Koffi arrived most certainly did not deter the crowd from enjoying themselves to the max.
The local acts also did not disappoint, with the crowd dancing and singing along to Tate Buti, King Tee Dee, One Blood, Ethnix, PDK, Top Cheri, Adora, Tswazis, Santiago from Angola and LeatherMein, as well as the music mixes of DJ Vuyo, DJ Yessonia, DJ What What, DJ Dla, DJ Siya and DaCosta the DJ.
Namibian-based Congolese band 4×4 Too Much Power was the only other live band on stage, and also produced a lively performance with their hallmark back-up dancers.
Koffi uploaded a shout-out to his Namibian fans on Facebook yesterday, saying: “Windhoek is defeated. And thank you for your massive presence. Have a nice Sunday. The G.O.A.T”
Social media was abuzz with comments, with some praying for the rain to fall harder because they couldn’t attend the event, while another congratulated Koffi for still going strong at 66. Lawyer and music enthusiast Kadhila Amoomo tweeted that music may just be the key to unlock a truly united Africa, as “Africa should activate trade, music and language without borders”.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na