The occasion was to launch his latest Rhumba album titled the The return of Fresh Les, which is his first in the genre almost 14 years since he ditched Rhumba music for jazz.
Announcing his return to the genre that first introduced him to the industry, Fresh Les had made a promise to change the Rhumba scene and spark a fresh breath of air into a deeply beloved genre of music.
And against all odds, he so nearly delivered a perfect return alongside his band, Mosako Stars. Locally, the Rhumba genre is loved but it is also associated with low class and no style for lack of better description.
But that is about to change as Fresh Les brings with him swagger to the game, more like the Congolese legendary musician Koffi Olomide. Koffi Olomide is the focal point man and ambassador of the Rhumba music.
He has managed to revolutionise it over the years and bring the fashion aspect into it as well. And that might have rubbed on and influenced Fresh Les' remarkable return to the genre. His performance, although late on the night, was clean and well rehearsed and choreographed.
Had it not been for the sound glitches here and there, it would have been a perfect return for Fresh Les, who performed in front of members of his family. Fresh Les & Mosako Stars performed alongside Franco & Afro Musica, Jeff Matheatau, Alfredo Mos & Les Africa Sounds, Dikakapa, Gongmaster, Osca Chakabuya, Skelem Key, DJ Fondo Fire, DJ Shabooo, Letre Affigade, Obakeng Sengwaketse, Lerofo and many more. While the focus was on Fresh Les as the 'birthday boy', other artists did not disappoint as well. Special mention goes to Letre Affigade, a new and youthful Rhumba group from Gantsi, which moved the crowd and left revellers asking for more. Their performance was just electrifying. In general, despite the late performances, it was a good night that marked Fresh Les' return to Rhumba.
