Friday Jams Live Official Afterparty
18th November 2018
The Studio, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review & Photography by Sarah Kidd.
Ever wondered what happens when the lights go down on New Zealand’s biggest RnB event? When the crowds have all been shuffled out the gates and into the night?
The stars come out to play – that’s what.
Thanks to the team at Bearzerk, the official Friday Jams Afterparty at The Studio was the place to be if you wanted to spend time with your favourite artists in a far more laid-back environment. Last night of the tour, you just know these guys and girls are going to be letting their hair down.
With DJ Jordan Lee who put out the welcome mat in true Kiwi style to Yo! Mafia who soon took over on the decks to hammer out some bangers, fans feet were kept moving while waiting for the artists to arrive.
Looking even better than he did on stage at Western Springs, Ginuwine worked his body, and the front rows the boys from Naughty by Nature joining him on stage as DJ Kay Gee and Illtown Slugga – the mascot bear with an attitude – took up residence behind the decks. This wasn’t a show, this was a house party, and everyone was invited; Treach even handing out gum to the front row as Vin Rock strutted the stage.
The vibe was one of unity as Salt n Pepa watched on from the DJ booth, Pepa occasionally stepping out to show the boys how’s it really done as only a woman such as herself can. The Next crew brought some flavour to the mix with their harmonies before everybody’s favourite MC Fatman Scoop took the celebration up to a whole new level. Soon the stage was littered with stars, all of them kickin it back and having a few drinks, dance offs being challenged between Usher’s dancers who slayed time and time again…
Singing along with the Friday Jams artists to some of their favourite tracks was an experience few could say they will ever forget; but it was like the calm before the storm as Lil Jon and Usher had just arrived. Immediately taking over on the decks, Lil Jon not only smashed out jam after jam – some of which would once again encourage the artists to step up and perform for the fans – he would every so often add his two cents worth – and a whole lot of laughs.
Usher was primed and ready to chill, champagne bottle in hand both himself and his dancers busted out a few moves on stage to their favourite tracks – ‘I Love It’ by Kanye West and Lil Pump a favourite. But soon things started to get wild, bottles of vodka and Hennessy arriving on stage and being fed to the front rows as Usher and his dance crew got raunchy, some of the girls twerking as if their life depended on it.
One things for sure, the Friday Jams Afterparty provided a once in a lifetime chance to truly live it up with your favourite RnB stars … but don’t take our word for it – just check out a few of our shots instead…
Were you there at The Studio to party the night away with the Hip Hop & RnB stars? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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