By Sharon Zoe Williams
The crowd at the African Festival Concert was electric, and Wiyaala was the spark that ignited the night. As she stepped onto the stage, her presence commanded attention, and the audience was immediately entranced. The Adaha Dance Band had just finished setting the tone with their high-energy performance, but Wiyaala was ready to take it to the next level.
Before launching into her hit song “Scorpion” (Kuli Wa Yuri), Wiyaala shared a message that would set the tone for her entire set. With conviction and passion, she declared, “Africa is your home, come home and build your home and invite others to come and see what you built.”
Her words resonated deeply, urging Africans to take ownership of their continent and shape it into a place they can be proud of. “Even if there’s a scorpion waiting for you at home, go home and accept the sting,” she added, her voice dripping with determination. “It’s your home, and nobody will make it better for you.”
The crowd erupted in cheers as Wiyaala began to perform “Scorpion”, her voice soaring and her energy infectious. The audience was completely captivated, singing along to every word and dancing to the beat. Between each song, Wiyaala shared another snippet of her message, weaving a narrative of empowerment and self-actualization. Her words were like a call to action, urging everyone to take responsibility for their own lives and their community.
As the performance went on, the energy in the room only grew, with Wiyaala feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm. Her electrifying stage presence was mesmerizing, keeping everyone in awe from start to finish. The audience was completely enthralled, their eyes fixed on the fierce and fearless performer, as they cheered and smiled with unbridled joy.
Wiyaala’s message was clear: Africa is home, and it’s up to us to build it, shape it, and make it thrive. As she left the stage to thunderous applause, it was evident that her words had struck a chord. The night was still young, but Wiyaala had already left an indelible mark on the African Festival Concert, reminding everyone of the power of home and the importance of taking ownership, and her performance? Second to none!
