Jozi couldn’t get enough of J Cole

The Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg came alive on Saturday with an outstanding performance lead by American rapper J Cole.

Cole, real name as Jermaine Lamarr Cole, is also a record producer, songwriter and multiplatinum Grammy award winner.

He visited South Africa for the Castle Lite Unlock concert and was joined by a local star line-up. Cole, together with SA hip-hop heavy-weights Reason, Kwesta and Emtee gave the audience a performance to remember.

The 31-year-old’s billboard hits include Can’t Get Enough (from his studio debut album Cole World), as well as Role Modelz, Apparently, and Wet Dream (from his recent platinum-selling album 2014 Forest Hills Drive)

Local rapper Nasty C set the tone for the night with his surprise performance with Cassper Nyovest, which got everyone on their feet.

Nyovest, who filled up the Dome last year, came out to repeat his achievement. Reason took fans on a musical journey of all his top-charting hits with his band The Church Boys.

Finally the moment arose for Cole to walk on stage. From the drop of the first beat, the crowd shouted out lyrics to his hits.

He wore nothing more than denim shorts and a black top – with the emphasis on his musical capabilities and not the usual glam. Amazed at the warm reception he was given, this international artist gave the fans more than they bargained for.

Among the South African hip-hop and television personalities present, were SABC 1 UMX presenter Luthando Lootlove Shosha, the Boys and Bucks crew, Riky Rick, and Major League DJs Banele and Anele, together with hip-hop giant HHP.