Celebrating SA’s musical talent

PETER FELDMAN

His frenetic drumming heralded the arrival on stage of an energetic group of young Zulu warriors. They proceeded to captivate the audience with their physical agility as the soaring theme of the Shaka Zulu TV series enveloped the packed auditorium.

This was the start of this annual music concert, staged jointly by nongovernmental organisation Education Africa and Sydenham Shul to celebrate unity and diversity and help disadvantaged communities. The event took place at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace. More than 200 artists performed on the night to an enthusiastic audience.

The programme notes described the production as “a joyous and uplifting tribute to social cohesion, as talented young artists come together from different communities and cultures across our beautiful rainbow nation to perform on one stage”.

The show tapped into the rich vein of school talent in South Africa as the theme, A Night at the Movies, was explored in its many facets. Tunes from classic movies such as Star Wars, performed by the Jeppe/CBC Pipe Band from Kensington, lifted the spirit. Individual artists also brought their magic. The acclaimed Choni G sang tracks such as Jerusalem and Spirit of the Great Heart, while our engaging MC, David Bloch, sang Eretz Tzvi and Over the Rainbow, among other numbers.

However, as MC, Bloch could have avoided recounting his many personal anecdotes as these impeded the flow of the presentation.

There were a host of instrumental performances from pipe and pop bands, marimba and steel bands. These were interspersed with performances by choirs and soloists, Zulu and Indian dancers and a full orchestra. The audience was mesmerised. A highlight was a wonderful performance by a deaf marimba band from the Dominican School for the Deaf in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. The audience showed their appreciation not by clapping (for those who can hear) but by waving hands in the air.

The boy band, Ready for Tomorrow, from Reddam College in Bedfordview, gave their rendition of the Monkees’ hit, I’m A Believer, while Yachad, an a cappella boys’ group from Yeshiva College, did brisk extracts from Fiddler on the Roof.

Another highlight was hearing singer Neville Smith provide a unique interpretation of the number, Feeling Good, from the James Bond movie, Casino Royale.

King David Linksfield Primary School Choir, Sydenham Junior Choir and Carter Primary Marimba Band from Alexandra all did themselves proud.

Hearing the spectrum of a complete orchestral performance, provided by St Mary’s DSG School Orchestra from Pretoria, was uplifting.

There were moments of delightful interplay between the musicians, and their dedication to their craft was evident. Their enthusiasm spread from the stage to the audience.

The closing number, Circle of Life, incorporated the entire cast and brought the audience to their feet.

The show’s musical director was Education Africa’s Joan Lithgow, assisted by Thami Ngwenya. They did an admirable job in co-ordinating the event.

Rabbi Yehuda Stern of Sydenham Shul, and James Urdang, CEO of Education Africa, expressed gratitude to their many sponsors and the audience for coming out in droves.