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Twista performs for deployed troops to 'up morale'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  With seven solo albums, countless hits and a reputation as one of the world's fastest emcees, performing artist Twista could have performed for a lot of money anywhere.

Instead, he chose to put on a free show for an elite group of individuals - U.S. troops serving overseas.

Twista put on a show for more than 600 JBB servicemembers and contractors April 15, 2010, at the Sustainer Theater.

"I felt a purpose--a feeling that made me want to do something more," said Twista. "This was something in my life that was meant for me to do. How I see it, if you have a talent you should give back in some kind of way, and this is something I can and want to do as far as giving back. I want to charge this crowd up, up their morale and bring a little piece of home out here to them."

The crowd packed the theater and many attendees were able to feel as if it was a concert at home as they sang along and danced to his music.

"This concert was great," said Tech. Sgt. Shauntel Cotman, 332nd Expeditionary Aeromedical Squadron aerospace medical technician . "I love his music, but I'm never home so I haven't seen his concert, but it felt like we were home. It means a lot that he came out here for us, we had an awesome time."

Twista continued to show support for the troops as he chose to stay after the concert for a meet-and-greet and autograph session with the audience members.

"Being here is important because all of you are out here fighting for us, everything you are doing is for us, and I want to help make sure you all are doing your best job as possible," said Twista.

"My job is music, so anyway that I can contribute I want to do my part in helping to make sure that the troops are motivated and willing to do what needs to be done. I wanted to get out here and do my part and do these songs and get everyone charged up and get through the next couple weeks."