Sponsor trots out top artists for bill

ACTIVITIES at the Vodacom marquee for this year’s Durban July promise something completely different. Known largely for entertaining the chunky first ladies and other conservative types, the cellphone company is trying to bring back sexy. It is going for a younger feel and 200 of the 300 guests will be competition winners.

Also, the Vodacom Durban July will comprise 72 hours of luxury. The guests will be whisked onto planes from across the country, chauffeur-driven to their hotels in Durban, pampered at a Friday night pre-party before being treated to a day at the races in their VIP enclosure in the paddocks. Hair-styling and makeup will be provided and there’ll be DJs on the decks and track-side viewing.

Black Coffee and Brendan Jury return with a new take on their performance of Africa Rising which debuted at the Vodacom Unlimited Experience last year. They will be joined by a virtual orchestra to be directed by Jury. The artists performing with the magnificent Black Coffee will include Arno Carstens, Bucie, Zakes Bantwini, Thiwe and Vuyo.

“We will be doing a Black Coffee track as well as some of my songs,” said Carstens.

“In terms of the layout of the show we have done something amazing with the orchestra,” continued Black Coffee.

“We have shot the orchestra already so the conductor will be conducting the screen. We have tried to keep things interesting at all times.”

Black Coffee plans to release a recording of the concert on DVD as well as a double album of the concerts. He also plans to do five new concerts at the end of August.

Explaining the finer details of the concert, Jury said: “The concert begins with Arno playing a 45-minute set with orchestration of his music.”

Culoe de Song will also be a DJ highlight: “That weekend I am also doing the MTN Fact Durban Rocks after-party. I am also part of the buildup on the night with the orchestra.”

In terms of dressing up, the artists were not really that interested.

“I am not dressing up,” said Black Coffee. “I am not into that scene of posing for pictures. I would rather just look presentable and proper.”

Culoe de Song also said he was not using a couturist: “I’m dressing myself. I always like to take an artistic direction that I’m inspired by on the day. I always feel comfortable dressing myself.”

“I don’t have a clue who is dressing me,” replied Carstens. “But I want to be dressed in horse hair.”

The Durban July takes place on July 7 at Greyville Racecourse.