Here comes Brian Temba’s genius
The show could heal the nation
Brian Temba might just have the soothing balm the nation is so desperate for.
The smooth crooner takes to the stage at the Gospel Spectacular starting tonight at the Joburg Theatre, bringing his musical touch and genius.
He believes that music could do the trick in unifying a polarised nation like South Africa, even if it’s only for the two hours of the musical production.
“This show celebrates good music, so it’s for mixed audiences and with the state of our country it’s a blessing to have this type of a show, we try to unify everybody,” he says.
“Yes, it’s a musical, but we want to make it church, as much as it’s fun and celebratory. The selected songs are sung in most churches and we would like to keep the audience on their feet and singing along. There will be a an electric atmosphere. For a moment people will forget what divides us.”
The 10-day extravaganza using world-class technology and LED screens will also feature Mahalia Buchanan, Teboho Moloi and Connel Cruise along with an ensemble of 30 singers and dancers.
The stars will perform a number of popular covers such as Mary Mary’s Shackles ,O Happy Day, You Raise Me Up, Malibongwe, Moya Wam and Joyful, Joyful. They will also perform some of their own compositions.
For instance, Temba will perform Awesome Wonder, which he calls a beautiful worship song that he wrote when he was still in London, as well as Jehova Jireh.
Temba has a lot of respect for the others on the bill. “I’ve always been a fan of Mahalia. She is an amazing vocalist. Connel is a breath of fresh air, we’re even in talks to do something together before he goes to New York where he is based.
“I’ve known Teboho for a long time. I love the Sotho hymns he does, it’s nostalgic and takes you back home.”
The show is directed by the award-winning Andrew Timm, with choreography by Sandy Dyer and musical direction by Dale Scheepers.
Temba has a new album out titled unABC, which he says is an acronym for Unapologetic, Unbreakable, Uncensored.
“I’ve had challenges in this industry and I’ve wanted to let go. It was only in 2016 that the creative juices flowed and I managed to record this album,” he shares.
Some of the musicians he features or wrote tracks with include Mpumi Dlamini, The Muffins, Lection, Reason, Uhuru and Njabulo Nene.
“For the first time I did the kind of music I love and I grew up on, ’90s R&B and traditional African sounds of Salif Keita and Youssou Ndour.”
Temba still enjoys his role of Ranthomeng on Muvhango and says the storyline has had lots of changes.
For his fans he teases that Ranthomeng’s past is coming back to haunt him and there is an unexpected addition to the Mokoena family to turn their lives upside down.
... with the state of our country it’s a blessing to have this type of a show Brian Temba SINGER
The Gospel Spectacular hosted by the Joburg Theatre is from tonight until April 23. Tickets range from R100 to R250 at www.joburgtheatre.com