The Dojo elevates Bloem’s Hip Hop scene

November 18, 2011 | Filed underPopular News | Posted by editor

Dubbed the ultimate musical experience by those in the know, The Dojo Listening Sessions are fast becoming a sanctuary for artistic expression in the Free State.
Since its inception on June 12, the sessions – which are held at Oolong Lounge – have become a monthly fixture on the Bloem Hip Hop scene.
They attract an audience from all walks of life who share a common appreciation of good music, exceptional poetry, and excellent books.
A dojo is a Japanese term which literally means “place of the way”.
The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese “do” arts, but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to conduct training, examinations, and other related encounters.
The Dojo Listening Sessions is a place to learn more about life principles through music and good company.
The most recent session marked its seventh offering and Zambian-born MC Zubz – The Last Letta was the headline act.
The brains behind the movement, EMI “The Fifth Letter” and Obakeng “Big Bux” Moroe decided to start the sessions “to define Hip Hop”.
“The idea came when EMI and I realised that there is beautiful music that we listen to that people don’t get to hear in clubs but play to themselves at home. We wanted the people to experience what we experience and preserving the Hip Hop culture that we have grown to love,” said Big Bux.
As part of the movement, he also hosts a show alongside Nyakallo Mahloko on Kovsie FM, between 15:00 and 18:00 on Sundays, called The Corner. Mahloko is a slam poet and huge supporter of the Dojo.
“The sessions are a perfect place for everyone if you are looking for good music on a Sunday night. I like the fact that the Dojo Sessions have so many creative people in one place – it’s a completely exhilarating experience.”
The sessions have had a positive impact on the audience and continue to offer a unique listening experience.

Maletsatsi “DJ Digga” Sejake, who hosts Dikalameng on Lesedi FM, is one of the regular DJs who keep the music coming. She has been performing for the past five years and has played Hip Hop music in clubs around the country, and recently also in Malawi.
She is still shocked by the impact the Dojo Sessions have had on the local scene.
“The Dojo Sessions offer a platform for newbies to express themselves while it brings together people who share a similar musical interest. People who listen to Hip Hop music are very passionate and understand their music; the sessions are just like one big happy family.”
Mo’Molemi, whose latest album is called Motzamai – Rebel Without A Pause, performed at the Dojo Sessions during the Macufe weekend.
“It was the first time I had seen this side of Bloemfontein before; I had one of the most memorable performances of this year. I’d like to see the Dojo being a huge festival around the country. I love the vibe and its good place to interact with people about music and have a good time.”
Psyconik, a local MC, believes the sessions revive the essence of the Hip Hop culture as many who regularly attend the sessions have been part of the movement for some time.
“I like the fact that the sessions reconnect you with a crowd, the same people that attended similar sessions in the past still support us. The Dojo Sessions are about sharing an idea and the love for music. I was quite impressed by the performance from Nthabi, BlaqSoul and the local acts that give brilliant performances when they have the mic.”
EMI says they plan on having bigger acts and building on their current success by inviting performers of a high calibre. He says they also plan on spreading their reach to the rest the province “as the wealth of talent is massive”.
The next Dojo Listening Session will be held on December 4.
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