October 11, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
IT'S going to be really cool - this is the word of Jay-Z. The hip-hop entertainer and businessman, whose mama named him Shawn Carter, is in town for his South African Global Express tour.
He was speaking about his Joburg concert, on Saturday, 14 October at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate. Dressed in a stylish sand-coloured suit and black shirt, Jay-Z yesterday spoke to the media about his upcoming concert from his hotel, the plush Westcliff.
"It's going to be really cool, I promise," said the singer, explaining that he would perform a selection of his hits. Jay-Z's career started when he hooked up with Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs to form the now multi-million dollar empire, Roc-A-Fella Records. He later became president of the Island Def Jam label.
Saturday's concert, which forms part of his Global Express tour, is aimed at raising awareness of the world's water crisis. Some 4 500 children die daily from preventable diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. In addition, four out of every 10 people do not have access to water.
Speaking about the issue, Jay-Z said it just seemed like the logical thing to do to be part of the programme and educate people about the water crisis through his music. "It is about me, people who listen to my music and have never had the chance to see me perform live.
"I believe dialogue is very important," he said, adding that through partnering with MTV and the United Nations, the message would be delivered. The rapper said hip-hop was a global voice and a platform for young people. "I believe it plays a major role because it is a worldwide thing."
Jay-Z will not be performing alone. He has brought along a couple of friends from his record company in Rihanna and Memphis Bleek. Rihanna, who was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was signed by Jay-Z at the age of 16. Her debut album, Music of The Sun, was nominated for 2005's Record of The Year and the first single Pon De Replay, debuted at number two on the charts.
SOS hit number one on the charts worldwide, driving her latest album, Girl Like Me into platinum status. Her fans have waited patiently to see Rihanna, who was unable to perform at the Peoples' Celebration Concert at the Johannesburg Stadium in April because it coincided with the release of her second album.
Malik Thuston Cox, or Memphis Bleek, featured on Jay-Z's debut album Reasonable Doubt. He was the first artist to be signed to Roc-A-Fella Records and has released four albums in total. They include Coming of Age, The Understanding, M.A.D.E and 534. Bleek is now working on his firth album.
Concerts are also scheduled for Cape Town at the Bellville Velodrome on Wednesday, 11 October and in Durban at the Absa Stadium on Friday, 13 October. Booking is through Computicket, or phone 083 915 8000.
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