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BY Kasonde Wellington
In an unprecedented display of popularity and musical prowess, Yomaps, one of Zambia’s most celebrated artist, attempted to fill Hero’s Stadium to its 60,000-person capacity on May 27, 2023. The highly anticipated concert, organized in collaboration with Kwithu FM, had been the talk of the town since early this year, promising an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.
Yomaps, whose hypnotic music has made waves both locally and internationally, has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He holds the distinction of being the only Zambian artist to amass over 100 million streams on Boomplay and has accumulated close to 50 million combined views on YouTube. His infectious beats and meaningful lyrics have captivated audiences around the world, making him a true icon in Zed music.
The event at Hero’s Stadium was not just a celebration of Yomaps’ unprecedented achievements but also served as the official launch of his sophomore studio album, titled “Try Again.” Following the resounding success of his debut album, “Komando,” expectations were high for the talented artist’s latest offering.
The atmosphere at Hero’s Stadium was electric as fans from all over Zambia flocked to witness the historic occasion. The stage was set for an unforgettable night of music, with Yomaps promising to showcase the best of both established legends and reigning stars in the Zambian music scene.
However, the journey to filling up Hero’s Stadium was not without its challenges. Despite advertisements and promotions, the initial scenes at the stadium were discouraging. Reports surfaced on social media showing empty stands and clusters of people on the field, leading to speculations and negative prophecies from Yomaps’ ‘ detractors. The situation seemed bleak, raising doubts about whether the stadium would be filled to capacity.
Moreover, there were discrepancies in the event schedule. The organizers had stated that Yomaps would open the show at 5:00 p.m., but multiple DJs occupied the stage until 6:30 p.m., causing some frustration among the eager audience.
Security concerns further marred the event. Although the organizers had promised maximum security, crowd control was lacking. The barriers separating different ticket categories were broken down, causing chaos and injuries as masses of people rushed towards the stage. Security personnel appeared ineffective in managing the situation, leading to criticism from attendees.
Despite these challenges, Yomaps managed to deliver an unforgettable performance. The opening act featured a medley of fan favorites, including “Try Again,” “Ziba Nyimbo” by Lily T and Never Been Easy” by Daev.
From 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., YOMAPS enthralled the audience with captivating live band performances, impressive backing vocalists,eye-catching costume changes and circus acts on stage.
Throughout the concert, Yomaps effortlessly showcased his versatility, transitioning between genres and collaborating with the many other acts that showed up to Fill Hero’s Stadium. The audience was treated to a musical journey that encompassed the best of Zambian music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary beats. The performances were accompanied by stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and intricate choreography, creating a multisensory experience that left the crowd in awe.
The concert featured appearances by Zambian music legends, including JK, MAMPI, Petersen Zagaze, and Danny Kaya, as well as reigning stars like Dizmo, Chanda na kay, and Jae Cash. Fan favorites Wezi, Abel Chungu, Macky 2, and Slap Dee, who graciously passed on his “king” status to Yomas, also graced the stage.
One of the standout moments of the evening came when Yomaps performed tracks from his new album, “Try Again.” The audience sang along to every word, demonstrating their familiarity and appreciation for the artist’s latest offerings. The album, a reflection of YOMAPS’ growth and maturity as an artist, showcases his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles while staying true to his roots.
Although Hero’s Stadium was not completely filled, Yomaps achieved a feat that no one had accomplished before, setting new heights for Zambian music.
As the night came to an end, it was important to acknowledge the efforts of Kwithu FM and the organizing team in bringing such a grand event to fruition. Despite the challenges faced, they successfully orchestrated a memorable evening of music and entertainment.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Yomaps. With his remarkable talent and a dedicated fanbase, there is anticipation for what he will accomplish next.
Image source: Kwithu Fm
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