Wale took the stage at Frontier Fiesta on Friday night with special guest and Houston’s own Bun B. They joined together in the performance of “Mirrors.” Though the crowd grew restless in anticipation of the rappers. Most would say it was well worth the wait. | Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar
Wale didn’t disappoint loyal fans on Friday night where he performed in front of the biggest crowd Frontier Fiesta has ever seen, according to Alicia Tillman, Director of Productions for Frontier Fiesta 2011. Students from a number of universities, including Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M, traveled to Fiesta City to see Wale’s performance. Rivalries aside, students stood shoulder to shoulder for one of the most anticipated concerts of the weekend.
Tillman’s constant reminders to students that disorderly conduct would not be tolerated, as well as increased security on and off stage kept concert goers from becoming to rowdy while waiting for Wale to arrive.
A number of students tweeted about their anxiety to see Wale, and for some, the waiting time was just too long.
Although the crowd grew restless during some of the opening acts, Youtube sensation Phil Wade re-energized the crowd with his impersonations and remakes of popular hip hop artists and songs. There were also a number of amateur openers including hip hop music duo 220 and rap trio The Nice Guys. Both groups had high amounts of energy, especially considering that the crowd was chanting for Wale throughout most of their performances.
The Nice Guys, who had the most hecklers during their performances, handled it very well and went on with their performance, eventually winning the crowd over for their last few songs.
Wale’s arrival to the stage caused instant pandemonium. Wale’s cool demeanor and obvious amazement at the crowd size was apparent through his ventures where he tried to make it through the crowd to talk to some of the fans in the back. Wale also encouraged students to sing along to various songs, like, “Attention Deficit” and “More about Nothing” from his albums.
Rapper Bun B also made a guest appearance during Wale’s concert to join him for the song “Mirrors.” Wale mixed in some of his lesser known songs such as “Diary” and “World Tour” with some more famous songs, including “Nike Boots,” “Black and Gold.”
The fast paced delivery in his energetic rap songs mixed in with some of the go-go inspired ballads kept students wanting more long after his departure from the stage.
The energy and excitement that Wale brought to the stage was undeniable; he interacted with his fans, performed to the entire crowd, and maintained the high energy level throughout the entire performance. Despite what some might have even considered too many opening acts, Wale’s performance was definitely one that students from UH, as well as surrounding universities, will always remember.
