Fantastic party music, sweat-drenched and happy people: that’s what the packed Music Arena at Tollwood in Munich experienced on Thursday. The event marked “25 Years of Jan Delay!”
“Korbinian, your mother is looking for you. Please come to the meeting point.” This announcement just before Jan Delay’s concert on Thursday evening (July 4) brought some laughter to the sold-out Music Arena at Tollwood – was it part of the show? No, the show started a few minutes later – and what a start! “Munich, what’s up?” Jan Delay tested the mood right away. The atmosphere was perfect and quickly reached the highest level on the party scale.
The tour titled “25 Years of Jan Delay!” saw the 47-year-old versatile musician delivering two hours of top-notch hip-hop, reggae, soul, and funk at Tollwood. Party-ready for young, old, and older alike, the audience was accordingly diverse. Before the party hit its first peak with the second song (“Klar”) around 8:10 PM, with fans jumping, dancing, and singing ecstatically, Jan Delay won over the last few hearts with three words: “I love Munich!”
Jan Delay: “I love Munich!”
A year ago, he and his phenomenal band Disko No. 1 had already rocked the then sold-out Tollwood Arena, and now they did it again. During “Türlich, Türlich” with beats from the legendary disco hit “Word Up” by Cameo, the place was on fire. Following Jan Delay’s lead, the fans even added a twist to the cult dance of the Dutch fans at the European Football Championship: instead of jumping left and right twice, they did it four times each. The first beads of sweat appeared, and by the end of the concert, Jan Delay’s white shirt was completely soaked.
The Hamburg native took the audience on a journey through 25 years of his career and various musical styles. This included cover versions like Nena’s “Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann” as a cool reggae number and the powerful “Pump up the Jam” medley towards the end. After about 90 minutes, he asked: “Munich, can you keep going? Is there still rave in you?” Yes! The medley included “Remmidemmi (Yippie Yippie Yeah)” – and no one wanted the party to end. When Delay left the stage before the encore, the crowd just kept singing. This phenomenal disco music is unbeatable and will still be going strong not only after 25 years but for the next 25 years as well. Even when little Korbinian is grown up.
Tollwood Festival: Munich’s cultural hotspot
The Tollwood Festival, held biannually in Munich, is a celebration of culture and the arts, featuring a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, and food stalls. It’s not just a music festival but a vibrant cultural event that attracts visitors of all ages. The summer edition takes place in the Olympiapark, while the winter edition is held at Theresienwiese, the same grounds that host the famous Oktoberfest. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural diversity, Tollwood has become an essential part of Munich’s cultural scene since its inception in 1988.
Jan Delay: A multifaceted artist
Jan Delay, whose real name is Jan Philipp Eißfeldt, is a prominent figure in the German music scene, known for his eclectic style that blends hip-hop, reggae, soul, and funk. He first gained fame as a member of the hip-hop group Beginner in the early 1990s. Over the years, he has reinvented himself multiple times, exploring different musical genres and collaborating with a wide range of artists. His unique voice, characterized by a distinct nasal tone, and his energetic performances have earned him a dedicated fan base. Jan Delay is not just a musician but also a cultural icon who uses his platform to address social and political issues.
The Music Arena at Tollwood
The Music Arena at Tollwood is a renowned venue that hosts a variety of concerts and performances during the festival. Known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, it provides a perfect setting for artists to connect with their audience. The arena’s capacity allows for a vibrant yet cozy concert experience, making it a favorite among performers and fans alike. The Tollwood Festival’s emphasis on cultural diversity and sustainability is reflected in the choice of artists and events, making it a unique and beloved fixture in Munich’s cultural calendar.
