March 22, 2009 5:35

Kanye West plays surprise SXSW show

Rapper turns up at the Fader Fort for a performance

Photo Gallery: Kanye West

Kanye West made an appearance at the South By Southwest festival today (March 21) – playing a show at the Fader Fort venue in Austin.

News of the rapper's previously-unscheduled appearance had spread across the Texan city throughout the day, meaning that by the time the 9pm (CST) showtime arrived fans were still queuing down the street to get inside.

West, wearing a denim waistcoat and sunglasses, made his appearance at a showcase for the G.O.O.D. Music record label, which he founded. He performed his own songs sporadically between performances from rappers including Consequence, Mr Hudson, GLC and Big Sean.

West played songs from throughout his career, including 'Amazing', 'Drive Slow', 'Spaceship' and 'Crack Music' as well as the intro to 'Diamonds From Sierra Leone' – but not the whole song.

Head to NME.COM's South By Southwest blog to read Mr Hudson's personal account of sharing a stage with Kanye West .

Keep checking NME.COM's South By Southwest index page for all the latest SXSW action including news reports, photo galleries and behind-the-scenes blogs.