Sai Sai Kham Leng (left) and J Me (above) perform in the rain at the Hip Hop Day gig on May 30. Pics: Hein Latt Aung

HIP hop lovers braved the rain last week to turn out en masse and hear their favourite music — and to donate funds for the victims of Cyclone Nargis.

The concert took place in the car park of Yangon International Hotel on May 30. It had been postponed since May 11 because of the cyclone devastation wrought in the city.

As the day was cloudy, the Timeout team feared the show would be cancelled again but it went ahead, with young fans flocking to the venue in colourful baggy T-shirts, pants, and hats.

By the time the show kicked off with a performance by newcomer Mi Sandy, the car park was already packed with fans.

At first we could barely make our way into the crush. Then, as Jouk Jat was strutting his stuff, we managed to find a spot that had a good view of the stage. But our happiness didn’t last; suddenly, heavy rain poured down, splitting the fans into small groups. Some put up umbrellas, but everyone got drenched.

Hip hop fans were keen to enjoy the show, the first big entertainment event since Nargis, and the artistes — Kyatpha, Jenny, Yatha, Linya, Htein Winn, Wine Su Khine Thein and Sandy Myint Lwin — sang as they walked to and fro on the catwalk, disregarding the drenching rain.

During the performance, models from Stars & Models International Agency carried silver bowls inviting cash donations for charity. People gave gladly, with the steady hip-hop beat in the background.

Hip hop wunderkinds Ye Lay and J Me also made impassioned pleas for help during their performance. Sai Sai Kham Leng entreated his fans to donate what they could, even if it was just the cost of a loaf of bread.

“Even though it wasn’t the perfect show we’d planned for, I think it was still great. Everyone looked lovely in the rain and we could get close to our fans,” a gratified J Me said after the show.

About K2 million in total was raised by the event, with concert-goers donating a total of K878,020 for charity. Organiser Ko Bo Bo gave a further K200,000, while K500,000 was donated by John Lwin from Stars & Models and the rest was contributed by a range of donors.

The money will be given towards the repair of the Kani Parahita Monastery in Pyapon Township in Ayeyar-wady Division.