It’s not every day that a show sells out in under five hours.
When the same happens in the second phase of the ticket sales at an even faster rate, it is definitely the event to look forward to this winter.
Frustration ran amongst supporters on Friday when the tickets to the Red Bull Symphonic with Kabza De Small, Ofentse Pitse and the Symphonic Orchestra sold out again, but this time within an hour.
“In my heart, I knew this would sell out at the same rate as when myself and Sun-El Musician sold out our show in 2022. I just wasn’t expecting it to be working five hours, I was pleasantly surprised,” Ofentse tells Drum.
“My assistant music director, Adam Howard reminded me that the last time something like this happened in South Africa in the classical music world, was when the greatest opera musician of our time, Luciano Pavarotti came to South Africa 19 years ago. How significant is it that this is now happening with amapiano.”
Kabza, real name Kabelo Motha, has been shaking the music industry ever since the advent of the amapiano genre. Like Ofentse who’s the first youngest black female orchestra conductor and owner, he’s built an international profile for himself.
In their own right, the sounds of piano have elevated their crafts’ print and now the two are merging amapiano and the grand piano. Initially meant to be for one night on 8 June, the symphonic show has now been extended for one more night and could be scheduled for another night due to the demand.
He’s done it all in the past six years but never anything of this magnitude.
“What makes symphonic different from my regular performance is that, with the partnership with Redbull and Ofentse, I will be performing with an orchestra that includes a choir. It’s something I’ve never done before, and being an artist that’s in love with music, the fusion of these two worlds is very exciting for me. It allows for a new way to really listen to the instruments on amapiano songs,” Kabza shares.
Usually, he feeds off from his crowd during his performances and hardly ever prepares for shows. However, for this one, the award-winning DJ and producer took up the challenge of not only preparing but also conceptualizing everything.
“The process of preparing really started with sitting with Ofentse and selecting the songs for the show. I usually feed off the crowd and don’t necessarily ‘prepare’ for a regular show, so having to sit and conceptualise everything was a first. It also allowed me to listen to the songs differently, and almost make new versions of some of my favourites in the process. The show is going to be one for the books; a career highlight.”
Read more | From Mabopane to the world - Ofentse Pitse flies SA flag high with Netflix, working with Alicia Keys
As for Ofentse, she’s ticked off working with an international pop artist who happened to be Alicia Keys and late last year, she rolled her sleeves up to work with an amapiano giant.
“The opportunity has been many months in the making. It goes back to October last year when the conversation started around doing something mind-blowing with myself and a prominent amapiano artist. I knew at the time that it had to be someone who’s meticulous with their craft, in order for us to be able to juxtapose the two worlds at the highest level. When I found that I would be doing this with Kabza, I felt honoured, and believed it was a great fit. That was the beginning of great musical chemistry.”
The Pretoria-born trailblazer adds that after shooting for international stars with an orchestra rendition of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I ain’t got you’ which was featured on Netflix’s Bridgerton series, bringing the success back home where it all started was a no-brainer.
“My first success started at home four years ago, when I conducted Judith Sephuma’s ‘Power of Dreams’ concert. Which is where I was discovered as the first young black female conductor of an orchestra. My journey then evolved into international shores, but I’ve always had my heart rooted in my country. So, the decision to bring the success home was a no-brainer and it stems from my vision of collaborating with likeminded creative minds.”
Though unexpected, this opportunity to work with Kabza came at just the perfect time for Ofentse’s creative and professional growth.
Of all Kabza’s hit songs that she’s excited to recreate in front of a live audience, the 31-year-old says eMcimbini, featuring Samthing Soweto is a definite classic.
“There was a plethora of songs to choose from and it took a bit of time to decide. I would say the repertoire we put together is magical, we are taking a journey time. There will be nostalgic moments for his day ones, and great appreciation for all who have grown to love Kabza and his musical genius.”
Read more | Mthunzi brings his maskandi influence into his new song with Kabza De Small
Coming from township-beginnings, the pair are set to make a killing from fusing a European concept of piano with kasi’s sound of it.
Speaking about the experience that ticketholders will have on 8 and 9 June at Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre, they say it will definitely be a memorable one.
“The audience can expect spectacular show, two worlds coming together. Hearing new renditions of their favourite songs from my catalogue. It already sounds amazing. It’ll be a sonic experience,” says Kabza.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all those theatre seats filled with people dressed as though they are going to a royal ‘piano opera. I am eager to conduct this 33-piece orchestra and choir of mine that comprises of formidable musicians. Lastly, I am eager to be at the helm of celebrating Kabza’s music, while paying homage to the musical greats who walked, so we can run,” Ofentse ends.
