Whitney Houston – The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) celebrates the late and great Whitney Houston’s landmark show in Durban, South Africa in 1994. Apartheid had just come to an end in the country, signifying a new era and a new president in the late Nelson Mandela. To celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, a fully re-mastered version of the live concert will release worldwide on 23 and 27 October. The show has never been released and marks a positive moment of change and hope for the future. It can feel surreal that Apartheid only ended three decades ago, and much of what we see in the world today is marred by the same kind of division and conflict that South Africans fought to overcome. Not only is the live concert film a timely watch, but it is so filled with joy and impressively perfect vocals from Houston. She was a musical force to be reckoned with then and her influence continues to live on in the pop stars of today. Ahead of the film’s release, Schön! rounds up its greatest moments.
No camera phones
Mobiles have become such an extension of our lived experience that most of us could not attend a concert without propping a phone in the air. With not an intrusive iPhone flashlight in sight, it was refreshing to be reminded of how things once were. The 60,000 strong crowd came equipped with candlelight and sparklers to light up the stadium. It may have been a fire hazard, but it looked magical on screen.
Wardrobe changes, galore
Houston wore an array of bejewelled monochrome pieces in shade of gold and violet that look royally glamorous on stage. As the heat of the night went on, she reduced her layers, eventually coming out in a ruby red crop top and skirt embellished with dangling jewels. Houston was also partial to a urban and had one to match every look.
A family affair
Houston’s mother Cissy Houston made sure all of the superstar’s backgrounds singers hit every note during the show. After all, Cissy was a soul an gospel star in her own right having sung backup for legends like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick. She raised her daughter to sing in church and it shows throughout. Gospel elements reign strong throughout the concert with Houston riffing effortlessly with her band, back-up singers and the crowd.
‘Whitney Houston – The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)’ will have a worlwide limited release on 23 and 27 October.
photography. Obscure Pictures
words.Shama Nasinde
