Rapper Xatar is known for rough lyrics, cinematic robberies and thick gold chains. On Saturday he was on stage at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg with the Heavytones. An evening full of contrasts.
Bald head, full beard, sunglasses, coat – Xatar enters the stage of the large concert hall in the Elbphilharmonie. Anyone who knows Xatar knows that he likes to wear coats. True to his lyrics “Nobody can dribble you because you’re wearing a coat,” he strides sublimely along the heavy tones. He wears sneakers, loose pants, a gold chain. The rapper appears fearless, even authoritarian, and says nothing. His gait casual, his shoulders back. Then he sits down at a black grand piano and begins to play. The audience cheers. “They say you can do anything,” the rapper’s voice rings out in the hall. Just a few notes from the piano and one sentence are enough to make it clear: This man deserves to appear here tonight.