Casper’s Fill-up Mmabatho on track

Mafikeng - It’s all systems go for Mahikeng-born hip hop star Cassper Nyovest’s world-famous “Fill Up”, scheduled for December 3 at the Mmabatho Stadium. This was confirmed by the star himself during a media conference in Mahikeng on November 17, as well as North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr) Chief Director, Thabo Mabe. Acsr has confirmed that it is one of the supporters of the major event, which is one of a series that has taken place in such areas as Johannesburg, Durban and Rustenburg. The home-town edition, according to Nyovest, is geared towards uplifting the artists of the North West and bringing the vibe to the provincial capital. At the media event, Casper confirmed that two different firms of structural engineers were assigned at two different times to assess the venue. This comes on the back of false media reports that the stadium was not safe enough for the masses expected to descend on the venue. “When I heard reports that the venue was not fit enough, I was unfazed,” said Nyovest. “Even before we sold the first tickets, we had commissioned a structural engineer to look at the safety aspects of the stadium. They gave it a thumbs up. “We even went for a second opinion, and the second engineer also agreed with the first expert.” Themed “Full circle”, the Mahikeng edition is inspired by the notion of Cassper coming back home with his legendary “Fill Up” franchise. Nyovest will be supported on the day by top local hip-hop and Amapiano brands such as Nasty C, Kwesta, Khuli Chana, Tuks, Mo Molemi, Morafe, and Limpopo sensation, Makhadzi, Kamo Mphela, DJ Sumbody, Maglera Doe Boy and Musa Keys. Amongst the hosts are Somizi, Carpo and Pamela Mtanga. The stage will also feature 18 up and coming artists from the North West, as part of artist development. “This is a big moment for me,” said Nyovest. “The stadium is a walk away from my grandmother’s house. I am coming back home to perform for my people.” The event has attracted interest not only around the North West and South Africa, but also from the neighboring Botswana. “We support events like the “Fill Up” because they are also economic drivers,” said Mabe. “They inject millions into the economy, through bookings for accommodation, the transport sector, as well as vendors who sell food through their stalls. It means a lot for local business.”nwnewspapers@gmail.com