The concert evening of the Berlin underground rapper Symba is like a class reunion of old friends. Meeting point: Muffat Hall. Dress code: fanny pack turned backwards. With songs like “Maxi King”, the 23-year-old musician distributes the chocolate bar of the same name to the sweaty crowd. And because the body almost dries out after countless “moshpits”, Symba also donates enough water bottles. So food is provided. He has been a member of the Playboysmafia collective since 2017. The team also includes German rapper Pashanim, DJ Abuglitsch and RB 030, who is responsible for the visuals, i.e. the music videos.
The group is known for their DIY style and retro aesthetic. The music videos are staged at home, on the basketball court or in the car. And always with the whole circle of friends at your side. His colleague Abuglitsch announces the rapper with the intro track “Symba Soundcloud Superman”. In the early days, he initially published his music on Soundcloud. Symba steps in with breakthrough song “PS2”. A sparkling sea and clear sky appear on the screen behind him. The hallmarks of his sound are melodic flows that are based on trap. Songs like “Topboys” and “WM2006” from his debut EP “Teamboys undso” follow. With the latter, the trained actor proves his talent for interaction. One of the “classmates” and a big fan throws his soccer ball onto the stage, which Symba happily signs. With the chart hit “Angels Sippen”, the crowd – ready to romp – forms a circle again. The song was number 13 in the German single charts in 2020. Enthusiastic and confident in the lyrics, the audience sings along to songs like “Holiday Inn”, “Blockparty”, “Sensei” and “I’m disappointed”.
One thing is certain: Whether artists on stage or spectators, they could all just as well be friends and have met here for the sake of the music. What makes the concert unique is Symba’s informal appearance and the joy he can feel about it: “You make me really happy,” he says. The collective is the flagship of a new generation, some of whom melancholically remember “earlier times” when PS2 was played, for example. But at the same time daring to face the uncertain future with youthful ease. Symba ends the performance with an air kiss.