Pre-performance rituals

Whether by prayer, meditation or even voodoo-like preparation, artistes are known to engage in all sorts of rituals before performance. CAROLINE NYANGA explores

Nonini:

Remember the little Zebra carving Nonini and P-Unit carried to their concerts throughout last year? Well, many were fooled to believe that the little Zebra had a ritual significance.

"Contrary to what people may think, the truth is, and we were just doing it for fun and to get people talking."

Nonini explains that he likes to be left alone in a bid to meditate and say a word of prayer before bringing the roof down.

"The moment I get on stage things always seem to work out well for me," he notes

Daddy Owen:

Crowned one of the best singers in Africa after winning an MTV Award last year, Daddy Owen believes in the power of prayer before his show. "In a situation where several artistes are lined-up for the event, I make sure I watch keenly the performance of the artistes before me in order toa better my act," he says.

Bobby Mapesa:

The local rapper says screaming aloud before getting on stage works for him. "Apart from prayer, the loud scream makes me gain morale besides getting me into the mood for the show."

Labalaa:

Labalaa says he also believes in making a sign of the cross considering he was once an alter boy in the Catholic Church.

I do it twice – after my prayer and upon being called on stage. This has always worked magic for me.

"I always have a conversation with God asking Him to give me the strength to overcome all the difficulties I may experience from the crowd," he says.

Nameless:

The MTV Award-winner has a habit of sipping his favourite drink (not soda) as he meditates before hitting the stage. For minutes, he lets the emcee hype the crowd before stepping on stage. This has been Nameless’ practice over the years.

WYRE:

Multiple award-winning reggae and R&B singer Wyre is known to remain sober and steers off alcohol. Backstage, Wyre takes time to meditate in isolation. He says this helps in boosting his morale before facing the crowd.

Amani:

For MTV award-winner songstress, prayer, composure and focussing ahead has always worked for her. "When you are determined to give your best, you will concentrate and avoid indulging in various activities which may end up distracting you.

I am Mary – the simple and quiet girl."

Kenzo:

"This unnerves and somehow removes the fear and butterflies from my system enabling me to deliver a good performance. Occasionally, I say a prayer before going onto the stage," he remarks

Lady Bee:

She believes in getting herself composed and relaxed before getting on stage. As a result she stays sober. But as we know her, Lady Bee also likes ‘charging up’ before she hits the podium. "Sometimes I get worked up and become restless," she admits. During such moments, a bottle of her favourite drink works for her.

Cannibal:

Cites prayer as a vital element for him before getting on stage. "It’s my usual routine. Unlike others I have never experienced stagefright and hence I do not need to do anything to boost my morale before stepping on stage.

Abbas:

I have a habit of meditating besides miming rhymes to myself. This keeps me focused all through and is able to thrill fans fully. I can spit rhymes according to the situation at the moment and beyond.