Hannibal & Joku Roti Mafia was the first performer of Rentolava, the lake-side reggae-orientated stage. The Rovaniemi-based hip hop artist, formerly known from Tulenkantajat and Hannibal & Soppa, performed with his new band, offering the festival folks some relaxed hip hop music with socially critical lyrics.

The festival folk gathered to Rentolava was able to enjoy the music of the Lapland-based group under the shining sun of Linnunlahti beach. The wonderful weather was combined with the fluent and danceable rhythmes, creating a perfect atmosphere for the start of the festival. Hannibal has performed many times in Ilosaarirock with his various groups and he has a dedicated following in Joensuu and so the artist was like at home here.

Hannibal is known for his politically critical lyrics. The name of his band, Joku Roti Mafia, could be roughly translated to English as “It’s enough mafia”. This doesn’t, however, mean that their music would be dark or negative, quite the contrary, actually.

The sound of Hannibal & Joku Roti Mafia was close to what hip hop music should be, but it can not be blamed to lack musical creativity.  The sound was like designed to launch a good festival mood among the folks and it was clearly seen from the crowd.  This is a good way to start to enjoy the quality rhythm music offering of Ilosaarirock.

Aaron Kallinen