K’naan live at Mod Club, Feb 24 2009

by Haley Cullingham

Nobody just saw K’naan at Mod Club this past Tuesday. The Somali-born, Toronto-bred hip-hop troubadour, back on home turf for a CBC Radio 3 broadcast celebrating the release of his new album, was seen, felt, heard, and experienced by a hypnotized crowd as he ran through both acoustic and non versions of songs new and old. The Dusty Foot Philosopher played the crowd like an instrument with his elegant hands and twinkling eyes, grinning as Somali flags waved from the audience.

When sound issues emerged, K’naan laughed, "I’m going to have to get violent in a minute," he said, but kept calm, crooning to the crowd without the help of his backing tracks. "There are only a few things in life I’m particular about, and one of them is sound." The rapper told stories of childhood, explained the genesis of his latest album, shared anecdotes about recording in Bob Marley’s house in Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios, and, to the delight of long-time fans, referenced the liner notes of his last album. He told a story about a hot night during recording, back at his apartment after a long night in the studio. He hummed the opening lines of ‘Fatima,’ one of the best songs on the new album, and began to strum along, adding lyrics. Band member Rayzak emerged from the bathroom and looked him square in the eye. "What’s that?" he asked. K’naan told him it was nothing, that he was just messing around. Rayzak looked at him like he was losing his mind and said, "Put your clothes on and go and record that. Right now." When Mos Def heard the song the next day in the studio, and heard about K’naan’s resistance to include it on the album, he told him he was crazy.

The band began to play the opening verse of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, and the MC appeared from backstage, smiling slyly at the crowd, saying, "You think someone could rap over this?" then free-styled over the song. There were performances of some old songs, like ‘If Rap Gets Jealous,’ re-worked with new lyrics for the new album, as well as old favourites like ‘Soobax’ (a cathartic anthem, the title of which means ‘Come Out’ in English) and ‘In The Beginning’ (a powerful and melodic tribute to poetry, freedom, and hope) kept just the way they are. But the rapper seemed the most excited when tearing through new songs like T.I.A with raw energy and power. Old friends emerged from backstage to play guitar, friendly faces in the audience received pounds, and K’naan dedicated verses to his mother, brother, and sister, who were in attendance.

In a show full of beautiful moments, the crowning one was his performance of ‘Wavin’ Flag,’ in which he conducted an ecstatic crowd singing the chorus. Few modern artists can inspire as much hope and excitement in 100 minutes, and this crowd was insatiable: When they stomped for an encore, K’naan ran back onstage for spirited versions of some older songs, then asked the crowd to tell him what to play, and, upon request, delivered a heartfelt performance of ‘Fatima.’ The show was a true celebration, reminding all who were there of the power and possibility of Rexdale’s favourite adopted son.

K’naan’s new album, Troubadour, is in stores now.
www.myspace.com/knaanmusic