ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Culture
WE GONE RIIIDE TONIGHT
Despite being left in the lurch today, Snoop Dogg’s New Zealand fans have been given a lifeline according to the underfire promoter, 4ward Entertainment.
Kiwi hip-hop legend Dei Hamo has reportedly stepped in to save the day after one of their promoters was accused of sexual assaults against multiple women, which caused them to cancel Snoop Dogg’s show.
Dei Hamo, whose 2004 hit We Gon’ Ride dominated local charts for weeks in 2004, was described by the promoter as “an artist of impeccable credentials… if you’re nostalgic for the mid-2000s.”
When asked whether he had been approached for the gig, Dei Hamo, now 50 years of age, sounded cautiously optimistic.
“Look, it may have been over 20 years since I made an impact on the music scene in New Zealand or anywhere,” he said, “and if there’s an opportunity to remind people I exist… I guess I could dust off my microphone and ride again.”
Ticket holders reportedly responded to the news with a mix of confusion and cautious excitement. One fan was overheard saying, “Snoop Dogg out, Dei Hamo in… well, that’s still technically hip hop.
“I haven’t listened to him since I had a flip phone nearly two decades ago. But great to see the big man back! We gone riiide tonight!”
More to come.
