Stevens Muendo and Caroline Nyanga
The showdown was phenomenal, exhilarating even. Wild and funky, glamorous and splendid are not enough to describe what turned out to be the greatest showbiz extravaganza of the year.
For the first time in Kenya’s showbiz history over 100 artistes shared the stage, recording stables came together and DJ units killed their rivalry as the Undaground Festival lived up to its great hype.
And one week after the festival took place at the Carnivore ground, Nairobi is still talking about the pimped-up rides which drove in their hundreds, the mesmerising state-of-the-art motorbikes and the outriders and playstation competitions which were some of the highlights of the two day event.
"That’s how we do it," says the CEO of your undisputable number one showbiz magazine Pulse, which in yet another first put the inaugural ceremony together.
From fashion to all things Pulse-ish and trendy the Undaground event was a statement to this generations definition of the "hot and cool"
Altaf Abdalla receives 2009 Undaground Hottest Ride Award from the Pulse editor, Charles Otieno (Centre) as a model looks on. |
That Sunday evening as the grand climax got the top 10 hottest rides paraded, the grounds temporarily went quiet as a sleek sport TVR slide through the enthusiastic crowd to the podium.
"Nairobi, I know many have been wondering what make of a car this is. We even had to go on Google to find out. It is a TVR sport, manufactured by an independent British manufacturer of sports cars based in the English town of Blackpool, Lancashire. The company manufactures lightweight sports cars with powerful engines and is the third-largest specialised sports car manufacturer in the world, offering a diverse range of coupes and convertibles," said Big Kev, the MC of the hour as he called out to Altaf Abdalla to pick the winner’s trophy.
The Sh6million worth sports cars composed of tubular steel frames, cloaked in aggressive fibreglass body design had been showcased by Altaf of Oldskool Rides, who are known to own the largest number of vintage and sporty rides in the country.
Singer Jaguar scooped the best celebrity ride award with his new 2006 black sporty Toyota Celica, while flamboyant celebrity business guru Mwangi Spike was awarded the runners-up trophy.
"We have put in a lot of effort to ensure that this event is a success and I’m glad it went down well," says Ash, the brains behind the East African Motorshow.
"For the fourth year running the annual Motorshow has been a great success regardless the economic hard times. We have witnessed more entries in terms of participation by both individuals and corporate and we can only hope it gets better next year," added Ash whose Mash Auto had displayed over 10 souped-up automobiles, among them six stretch limos.
For the first time, the expanded East Africa Motorshow included a playground marquee hosting playstation competition, two live entertainment stages with live performances, DJ acts, kids amusement area, exhibitions and family food court among others.
There was also a matatu on show too. Route 58 is set to have the most ‘souped up’ mathree on Nairobi roads courtesy of Unity Auto Garage. With slanted screens on the roof, one per two passengers and bucket seats, on top of a large LCD screen, the owners assure of top-notch entertainment. It even has a DJ compartment and a fridge for cooling passengers’ drinks.
The East African showbiz extravaganza organised by the Standard Group and sponsored by Mash Auto, Homeboyz, Zain and Tru Blaq was partly broadcasted live to thousands of viewers on KTN’s Vibe City show and also went live in two radio stations as several other media houses covered it.
Standard Group Chief Editor John Bundotich, Managing Editor Zipporah Musau and Assistant Director, Creative Services Peter Gichui and other prominent personalities graced the colourful occasion.
From vintage cars to the latest models in the market, technology seemed to defy age gaps as each of the vehicles had something unique.
Homeboyz displayed the largest ever playstation competition in East and Central Africa.
The Pulse Magazine stand was busy as fans interacted with writers and TV presenters and chatted with their favourite musicians. The team had initially driven in the grounds in style in a white stretch limo, thanks to Mash Auto.
By 2pm that Saturday, the Pulse stand was packed with tens of artistes all hoping to get a chance to thrill their fans. There was a mixture of old and fresh talent, some of the musicians had travelled from as far as Mombasa and Kisumu. And most of them got a chance to showcase their talent on the big stage where DJ Caramel and K-Trix held it down with great mixes.
Celebrated MC’s Eve D’souza and DJ Styles, award winning producer RK and Homeboyz Mike Rabar, prolific Capital Fm presenter Seanice and Homeboyz presenter G Money were part of the celebrity cream.
The Ogopa team troupe in their usual ‘family style’ led by Banda, Alpha Fakoly, Trapee, Avril, Kenzo, Kaka Kamp, Netto, Moustapha and Marya all came in shortly after 2pm to join Wakimbizi who had arrived earlier.
And just before the evening performances started, Circute and Joe-el, Jaguar, Cartel and the Anyuola Family and Baby One arrived to an enthusiastic reception. Jimmy Gait of the Muhadhara fame, Kayamba Beats, Ukoo Flani Mau Mau led by Kama and Judge as well as Ukoo Flani Wafalme kids were also part of the music celebrity array.
"I have been waiting for my chance all day long but I am forced to go back home and try again tomorrow," said Ulopa’s up and coming artiste Netto who together with his dancers could not get a chance to perform on the first day due to the overwhelming numbers.
Even as Kenzo gave an outstanding performance, his Ogopa stable counterparts Avril, Moustapha, Alfa and Trapee who had initially programmed to perform did not get their chances.
However, Avril and Trapee made it the next day and gave show-stopping performances just before the awards were presented.
"It was a great event and we understand the demand from the many artistes who wanted to perform. This has been a good platform especially for the upcoming artistes who had a chance to shore case their talent," said Banda of Ogopa, commenting on the performances.
For some, the show was not just about rides, Playstations and performances. Donning trendy designs Pulsers came in rocking their style swagger.
To them, this was the right venue to bond with their pals and probably get a hook up if not just make a new friend.
Majority stayed behind for the after party held at the Carnivore Simba saloon on Saturday night.
But those who could not wait for the evening partied to the deejay mixes booming from the two main stages.
