Bang-up Bollywood fare
LOOSELY translated, Dhamaka means bang. Living up to the title, the show offers an explosion of top talent backed by (arguably) South Africa’s foremost band, Durbanbased Dilkash. It is scheduled for an 8pm start on Saturday, December 30 at Athlone’s Eoan Theatre.
Headlining the concert, staged by Bee’s Promotions, is Pakistani artiste Imran Aslam who is a firm favourite with Cape Town audiences. At a previous performance in the Mother City, Aslam, who now lives in Johannesburg, stated that he is now proudly South African and always treasures the time he spends in Cape Town.
An accomplished artist with amazing vocal dexterity, he is equally at home serenading audiences with the romantic softer tunes of yesteryear or belting out popular current hits. Aslam has performed on stage with various singers from the Bollywood music industry including Bappi Lahiri, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik.
The promoters have ensured that their singers and the audience can enjoy the superlative talents of Dilkash, led by Rajive Mohan. Many of the songs performed at local Bollywood concerts are cover versions of popular Indian film songs, and listening to the brilliant Mohan on the keyboards accompanied by his excellent co-musicians makes one think you’re listening to the original.
The supporting cast comprise some of Cape Town’s best singers. All are passionate about singing, even though it is just a hobby for them.
On stage they give their all and are very popular with local audiences, with some having performed around the country as well. The singers include Nuur Leeman, Fayyazi Mohamed, Rabia Mukadam and Mohammed Rafi Edross.
Leeman began his singing career at the tender age of four. With his late father as Ustaad (teacher), he joined The Cape Malaysians group, initially singing songs from the Malay culture. Leeman started watching Bollyood films and this genre of music made a huge impact on him. He made his solo public singing debut about eight years ago. Since then, audiences have been astounded by his vocal ability, especially since neither Hindi nor Urdu are his mother tongue.
He is equally adept at singing in a variety of genres and styles including pop and Qawalli. Recently he was given an opportunity to share the stage with internationally renowned Qawalli artist Chand Afzal Qadri. Leeman rose to the occasion and received great praise from Qadri.
Mohamed started singing Bollywood songs six years ago. She credits Leeman with guiding her career and ensuring that she stays on the top of her game. Mohamed’s star is on the rise, and while she is a regular performer at local shows and events, she recently appeared on an international Bollywood platform as well. She shared the stage with Bollywood singers Saud Khan, Nirupama Rege and Hiren Joshi, singing a duet with the latter.
Music has always been one of Mukadam’s greatest passions. She is the youngest performer on the bill. Inherently a shy person, she never thought she’d muster the courage to perform on stage. But with the support of family members and friends, as well her biggest fan and inspiration, her father, Mukadam has made assured progress on the local music scene.
The veteran in the group is Mohammed Rafi Edross, named after the legendary singer who reigned supreme in the Indian film industry for many years. Edross is a great fan of the late Mohammed Rafi and comes from a family with a background in music. His late father, Sataar, was an accomplished Qawalli singer who performed throughout South Africa.
Tickets: Abeeda – 079 266 6267; A1 DVD Centre, Ruth Road, Rylands Estate. CABLEWAY sunset views. Enjoy our beautiful city and glorious Table Mountain.To find out if the cable is operational, call 021 424 8181 or see www.tablemountain.net, which lists the specials and other offerings.There’s free wi-fi at the café on the mountain.The cable is operating on New Year’s Eve – what an epic way to welcome in the New Year. Last car up is 7.30pm and last car down is 9.30pm. Cut down on queueing time by booking online www. tablemountain.net/www.webtickets. co.za.There’s a separate queue at the cable station to fast-track entry.The popular Sunset Special is running again from January 4 to February 28. Return tickets are half price after 6pm: R137.50 for adults and R67.50 available only to South Africans. Weather permitting, the cable car will be open on January 1 from 8am to 9.30pm.
winning vouchers can be used from January 4.
Alan Committie is on at Theatre on the Bay until January 13 with Planet Mirth. It’s an outstanding show with fabulous visuals – very cool and loads of laughs. His show on NewYear’s Eve starts at 9.15pm and tickets are R220.There will be bubbly after the show.Tickets for the other performances are from R120 to R180. Monday to Saturday at 8pm. Book at Computicket, www.computicket.com 0861 9158000 or the theatre at 021 438 3301.
E-mail dean@theatreonthebay.co.za by 6pm tomorrow. SUBJECT LINE:ToTT. In your e-mail, include a funny festive greeting for Alan. Make him laugh.
For a theatre experience with a difference, check out Immortal, which is on until January 13 at the Castle.There is no fixed narrative and audiences are invited to explore the rooms and watch the action unfold. Each person will have a different experience. Nicola Mayer has worked magic setting up extraordinary installations in the Castle interiors, such as an apothecary room with perfume and potion bottles.The cast features Craig Morris, Glenn Swart, Shannyn Fourie, Skye Russell, Liezel Swartz, Lee van der Merwe and Kai Luke Brummer.The lighting (Chris Lotz) is extraordinary. It is also a fragrant experience – with jasmine and other essences wafting through.Three shows nightly: 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm. One hour.Wear comfortable shoes. R200 to R250. Call 0861 915 8000 or see www.computicket.com.
To enter, e-mail immortlatickets@gmail. com by 6pm Sunday. Subject line:ToTT.