Local musos – up your game
IWAS watching old episodes of Lip Sync Battle US and once again I was impressed. And envious. Impressed because the celebrities shed every ounce of who they were and committed to the character they were playing on stage. They would wear the costumes, dance for their lives, all while lip syncing as Britney Spears in Las Vegas. The reactions from hosts, LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen, are great and the audience’s enthusiasm adds to the feel good factor of the show. The performances by the celebrity guests are always headline news on various news websites and social media is abuzz with comments about how a particular star slayed the stage. I am envious because the African version has just been one major disappointment. It’s a damp squib really and it’s a travesty because Africa is the home of rhythm – surely we should do better than the US? This then brought me to the standard of live performances from our musicians.
I’ve been to a number of concerts and one thing I always look for, is if there is any thought to the performance. Are there graphics? Is the lighting great? The sound? Is there a story being told in this performance? It’s beyond them getting on stage, singing/rapping (or sometimes screaming) their songs and then the performance is over. Do I feel like I will pay good money to see them perform again, or do I regret coming and wish I could get a refund? I have sadly been to a lot of concerts that leave me wanting to get a refund, and it sucks.
The few who put their money where their mouth is and actually give it their all, producing amazing performances (Lira, Joyous Celebration, AKA, Jeremy Loops, Cassper Nyovest, Zakes Bantwini) show that it’s possible for the others to do the same. I know of a couple of musicians who work on their live performances and make sure that they give their fans something that will stay with them forever. And that’s a step in the right direction. It’s important to note that most, if not all musicians, make their money from live performances, so it really grates me when they don’t put in enough effort when it comes to their performances.
So, musos, please put some thought into your stage work. Have the lights, the pyrotechnics, and the dancers if necessary. Put on a show worthy of being staged at some of the world’s biggest festivals. We are now not content with you just standing and singing your songs, karaoke style. No fam. We want the works. In this era of Beyoncé and Lip Sync Battle, we want more! *** Speaking of more, I have high expectations of the upcoming Durban Fashion Fair. I want to see more interesting locations, amazing choreography and beautiful garments. I want access backstage to speak to the designers, I want more shows staged at reasonable times and I need there to be some ground-breaking work being shown. The Durban Fashion Fair needs to prioritise Durban-based designers, making sure that they have the best times on the schedule. In previous years we have seen Joburg and Cape Town designers get the most convenient times on the schedule and that didn’t sit well with many designers. So how about we change that this year? How about we make the Durban Fashion Fair about Durban? Keep the designers showcasing happy. The fair takes place from August 23 to 26. Check their website for details on how to buy tickets. Let’s fill up the venue, Durban, and show an interest in growing our local fashion scene. It’s important.