Lexxus star attraction at Alliance Francaise

Zimbabwe was the last port of call after a concert tour of some 14 African countries, and if the musicians of Lexxus Legal were weary, these supremely professional artistes showed no signs of being homesick or fatigued.
Front man and lead singer, Lexxus, took pride in introducing Rodriguez (solo guitar), Mass on bass, Herbakuku on drums and backup vocalist Basila. Were it not for the charm and singing talent of Lexxus and Basila, the appearance of these towering Congolese giants in tight tee shirts and white gumboots would have scared the bejaysus out of the average Zimbo.
In a brief interview, Lexxus (real name Dende) said that he was born in Lodja, and was the only child of his proud parents.
Lexxus’ despair at the ethnic turmoil and violence against women in his own country, coupled with his musical talent, led him to follow a career enabling him to address the issues disturbing him and to alleviate the suffering of others.
Hip-hop originated in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s, and helped reduce inner-city crime by replacing physical violence with dance and artwork (graffiti) battles. Now global in scope, hip hop gives activists a voice to express themselves. Although Lexxus Legal’s explosive message in 2011 was rapped to us in French, there was no mistaking his meaning or sincerity. Calling on African leaders to nurture their people, while denouncing social and political evils, Lexxus dreams of peacefully uniting all the people of Africa.
Although Sunday’s audience at the Alliance Francaise had roared with appreciation at the artistry of Jibilika B-Boys, Outspoken and the Essence, and other excellent earlier performances, the atmosphere during Lexxus Legal’s concert was electric. Powerful hip-hop messages alternated with magnetic rumba and kwasa kwasa rhythms from the Congo, and provided superb entertainment and inspiration for music-loving Zimbos.