What a night, as fans from all over Johannesburg gathered see greatness unfold. Jongsizwe!!! Was chanted by the whole crowed as they were amazed by the display of performances at the show. “Superstar level’’ some would proclaim, for an up and coming artist to get such a reception for their 1st album was shocking and exciting as it left the crowd in awe.
Phumele Bara aka King Joe an Eastern Cape born artist had an album launch party on the 02 April 2022 at Kopanomix lounge in Randburg for his debut Album Jongisizwe, which happens to be highly anticipated as it was set to drop the previous year but King Joe pulled out at the last minute due to technical issues thus pushing the project to drop this year on the 22nd of April 2022.
The venue was filled to the brim as xhosayains (King Joe’s fans) were showing up in the masses to support their King. From the lineup of artists to the set decoration and the lighting, the mood was set to show case Ikumkani ifikile (the King is here). The lineup consisted of some of the highly rated up and coming artists like Kush Mahleka, Trustedslk, Giddy and TYC Beats just to name a few who came saw and broke their personal ceilings. King Joe opened the show with is his song titled “Molweni” (Hello) to set off the vibe everyone is welcomed and this is my opening statement. The high energy opening song was performed after Kush Mahleka’s performance that moved the crowd and brought a sense of spiritual and emotional joy and sorrow as she spoke about love, loss, creating a better future and etc. That performance pulled the people towards her and she set the bar of what was to come.
King Joe had three outfit changes for his performances each representing a section of his album with the standout being the white and black Xhosa attire with white and blue beads worn while performing “Ndisendleleni’(I’m on my way) and “I’m not rapper” which were emotional songs, giving perspective of were King Joe’s mind set was. With the outfit changes He (King Joe) was creating an idea of the world he wants to put fans when they listen to the album.
King Joe show cased a sense of community as he also gave a chance to fellow Eastern Cape up and coming rappers the likes of Androidinski, Chicco dinski, Joey MMI and etc to shine and bring their talent to a new crowd. Kumkani Jongisizwe (King Joe’s persona for the album) was well received and left the crowd wanting more. With the full album yet to be release fans sit in anticipation for their King’s project with hopes that this is that project that will catapult him to new heights. The closing song or King Joe’s statement was Ukhenkce featuring M2KaNE and Bhut’legend which is the latest single released from the album. That performance shut down the club as fans and fellow artists were sing along to the lyrics of the hook and rapped the verse as if it were their own with King Joe close the night with a bang and with fans chanting Jongisizwe.
