We are all searching for hope in these uncertain and turbulent times where the Covid-19 pandemic takes its toll on so many different levels. Christien de Klerk of Embrace The Brand Media, had a brainwave just after the lockdown to approach her artists to record an indigenous song which will not only transcends hope, but also encourage people to unite. This idea was shared with producer Sean Butler and he suggested the iconic hit My African Dream, which made Vicky Sampson a household name in 1996.

Upcoming as well as established artists pool their talents together in this new rendition of My African Dream. The talented artists include Jack Stone, Matt Stern, Johan Anker, Chris Theron, Mondrey, Hannah, Chante and the duo GnT Band.

The singers are from all over the country, from Cape Town to Kimberley and Pretoria, and fortunately most of them have their own studios at home where they did the recordings. They send their individual recordings to the producers, with Francois Steyn and Tertius Jacobs who did the final mix.

The singers also recorded separate music videos with a special app which was uploaded on their mobile phones. Johann Latsky, edited the music video’s creatively in one music video. Each singer contributes an insert on the music video.

The singers are overly excited about the project.  “It is an honour to be part of this final product. Music is a universal language and it is wonderful that we can utilise it to convey a positive message of hope in these difficult times,” says rocker Jack Stone. 

My African Dream is one of the most recognisable songs, says Chante. “The song symbolises going back to your roots and personifies hope and unity. It reminds us of the fact that we must live our dreams and that the sun will shine again. We are all together in this difficult time.”

Johan Anker says My African Dream makes him proud to live on the continent and even more to be a South African. “I always feel a little patriotic when I listen to the song. We want to give people hope and comfort with My African Dream and convey the message that we are so much stronger when we are united.”

The duo GnT Band agrees that My African Dream conveys a message of peace and hope. “The song brings positivity in a current negative climate and environment. We hope every South African will hear this message and move forward with a constructive attitude.”

Newcomer Mondrey says dreams bring inspiration and ambition in your life. “This song personally means that although today looks dark and gloomy, tomorrow is a new day with new challenges.”

Matt Stern says My African Dream underlines the need to unite as a nation and to reach out to one another. “It was a privilege to compile a song and a video during lockdown with other artists. Although there was little contact, we share the same vision and passion.”

Chris Theron says My African Dream speaks thought-provokingly, not only through its angelic melodies but also through its deeper message of transforming and uniting our country. “I hope people will listen to this piece, not just for leisure, but also for the hope it shines to the world. In a time like this, we all need a little hope”

Hannah agrees My African Dream is an incredibly special song. “The song symbolises the dream we always cherished for South Africa and still do. I do hope when people listen to our rendition, it will inspire them to pursue this dream.”

The post Artists bring hope with ‘My African Dream’ appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In May 2020, 21 artists from across the globe came together online to stand in solidarity with the entire entertainment and live events communities and recorded a unique take on Katy Perry’s hit song ROAR, culminating in the release of an inspiring video today, #ReInventYourROAR.

No matter where in the world we find ourselves, and in whatever circumstances, everyone has been affected by COVID-19. We are all trying to re-assess, re-adjust and re-invent ourselves in these uncertain times.

It was on one of these days in early May when an idea came to David Bloch, Executive Show Producer, Creative Director and Stage Director for high-end events in South Africa and abroad. David felt that now more than ever, it was important for the entertainment and live events industries to show love, support, understanding and compassion to each other.

What was planted in his mind as an idea has now blossomed into this epic music video, recorded by individual artists in 15 cities from 11 different countries, all artists that David has had the pleasure of working with over the past 21 years.

#ReInventYourROAR is about resilience and the power of the human mind, body and spirit to overcome ANYTHING! The message is – no matter what… these industries WILL soldier on!

Bloch believes this video can definitely mean so much to so many, depending on what one is feeling on any given day. It can be inspiring, reaffirming, empowering, joyful and almost defiant if you will, of the situation in which we all find ourselves. It really depends on the mood of the listener.

Ultimately he wants this song to be one of belief; a genuine, impassioned and unquestionable belief that these industries will recover. A belief so strong that their Roar will never be silenced.

Alongside incredible international appearances, #ReInventYourROAR, features the remarkable talents of South Africans living both here and abroad, namely; Lelo Ramasimong and Graeme Watkins from Johannesburg, South Africa, Chad Saaiman from Cape Town, South Africa, Fem Belling from Melbourne, Australia, Sifiso Mazibuko all the way from London, Richard Stirton from Liverpool, Melanie Scholtz from Berlin, Germany, Lyle Anthony from Los Angeles in the States, with Naz Holland and Shaun V from the United Arab Emirates.

International artists include The Clarisse Sisters from Mauritius, Shanay Shah from Mumbai, India, Appassionante from Rome, Italy, Cristina Ramos from Gran Canaria, Spain, Tal Vaknin from Jerusalem, Israel and Christina Bianco, from New York, USA.

The song was re-arranged by Bryan Schimmel with the track produced and mixed by Bluberry Entertainment. Backing Vocals were provided by Tima Reece and Kurt Herman, and the music video was edited by Even Flow Media with footage provided from all artists.

“The time has come, to # #ReInventYourROAR

To our entire entertainment and live events families, we say STAY STRONG!

To our audiences, fans, supporters, families, friends and colleagues from all over the world, we say;

We WILL return to our stages

We WILL put on our make-up

We WILL dress in fabulous outfits

We WILL be supported by the most incredible technical crews

We WILL hear YOUR applause again

You WILL hear OUR voices again

but until then… you WILL continue to hear us ROAR!”

The post #ReInventYourRoar – We Will Return to Our Stages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Dieselfde tipe vaart sal aangebied word wat van Kaapstad vertrek en Namibië se mooie Lüderitz en Walvisbaai besoek. Frans Swart, Feesdirekteur van die Oppiwater Kunstefees,  sê dit was vir Lefra, RSG en MSC Cruises belangrik om presies dieselfde tipe vaart aan te bied as waarvoor feesgangers bespreek het.”

Feesgangers wat vir die Oppiwater Kunstefees bespreek het, se besprekings sal outomaties oorgedra word na die 25-30 Januarie 2021 vaart aanboord die nuwe en mooie MSC Musica.  MSC se aankondiging oor koopbewyse vir ander gekanselleerde vaarte sal nie vir die Oppiwater Kunstefees geld nie, aangesien die Oppiwater Kunstefees ‘n spesifieke temavaart is.  MSC het wel aangekondig dat alle passassiers ‘n $50 koopbewys per kajuit sal ontvang om op die MSC Musica te spandeer.

Swart sê dat hulle tans in onderhandelings is met al die kunstenaars en teaterproduksies en gaan poog om dieselfde produksies en kunstenaars aan te bied as wat vir die huidige Oppiwater Kunstefees beplan was.  “Ons as organiseerders en kunstenaars is natuurlik almal baie teleurgesteld dat ons nie die April Oppiwater kon aanbied nie.  Maar niks kry die kunste onder nie – selfs nie Covid-19 nie,” sê Swart.  “Dit was die regte ding om te doen, want ons het baie navrae van ons feesgangers gekry om uit te stel.  Die veiligheid van ons passassiers, kunstenaars en personeel was nog altyd totaal prioriteit vir ons.”  Die nuwe program sal eersdaags bekend gemaak word en sal ook met alle Feesgangers gekommunikeer word.  Kaartjies vir Produksies wat by Computicket bespreek is,  sal so ver as moontlik oorgedra word.

Vir die nuutste inligting oor Oppiwater, gaan gerus na www.oppiwater.co.za Vir enige navrae oor die kajuitbesprekings, skakel gerus 087 630 0333.

The post RSG en Lefra Produksies se Oppiwater Kunstefees Uitgestel appeared first on Stage and Screen.