Ma /Gaisa stars thrill Zoo Park

The Ma /Gaisa Rumble in the City event lived up to expectations, delivering top-tier entertainment to a packed Zoo Park on Saturday night. Fans filled every corner of the venue as headline acts Raphael & Pele, and T-Boss & Staika ensured the audience got their money’s worth with electrifying performances that celebrated Namibia’s vibrant Ma /Gaisa sound. Jaliza opened the event, and reaffirmed her status as Namibia’s leading female performer with a show-stopping set. Backed by an energetic dance crew, she captivated the crowd with her signature choreography and hits such as ‘Lau Lau’, ‘Kai /Goas’ and ‘Believe Me/Glo My’, which drew some of the night’s loudest cheers. Adding to the excitement, Dixon surprised fans with an impromptu performance of ‘Ti/Namsa’, ‘Tshororo’ and ‘/Namsaro’. His appearance set the stage for Raphael & Pele, who took the energy higher with their trademark Marus /Gereseb dance routine. The duo’s dynamic set featured fan-favourites ‘/Nama Matere’, ‘Petrus !Ganeb’,’ //Gaudib’, ‘Tsau Ta Go //Nawa Si Ha Sa’ and their timeless hit, ‘Xai //Na /Gomasen’. Their performance drew praise from former Brave Warriors striker Mabos Ortman, who remarked: “These guys are good. We need to do something for them while they are still around – maybe even engrave them in the National Museum.” In a touching moment, elder Rosa Namises honoured Raphael & Pele before their performance by serenading them in traditional Damara fashion with a symbolic splash of water. The artists later paid tribute to the pioneers of the genre, including the late king of Ma /Gaisa, Phura Duwe. The crowd erupted once more when MCs Che and Webzito introduced the final act – T-Boss & Staika – who have become favourites among younger audiences through their popularity on Keisames Radio. Dressed in matching black jeans and T-shirts, the pair launched into a polished dance routine before performing an energetic set that included ‘//Aegub !Na Uha Te’, ‘Chip’, ‘Ta //Naetiba Sao’, ‘Nauxube’, ‘/Namte a Ron’ and ‘Netira Gon’. The crowd sang along, creating a powerful connection between the artists and their fans. “The atmosphere was incredible,” said corporate lawyer and former Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board member Ronald Kurtz after the show. “What a great night of beautiful music. Everything went smoothly – the sound was perfect, the artists were on point, and the sold-out crowd made it unforgettable.” With its seamless organisation and stellar line-up, event organisers Hadadi Trading were praised for pulling off one of the most memorable nights of live music in recent memory. Raphael & Pele and T-Boss & Staika proved the perfect prescription for an entertainment-hungry Windhoek audience, ending the night on a high note and reaffirming the enduring power of Ma
/Gaisa music to unite and uplift.