KKNK, Mothership Studios launch star-studded online music series

 “We are very proud to present the KKNK Mothership Sessions. We consider it very important that, during these trying times, we continue to bring productions of the highest quality to our audiences. Each performance is a very unique experience filmed by the expert producers of, amongst others, the Republiek van Zoid Afrika television show,” says Hugo Theart, artistic director of the KKNK.

© Jacqui van Staden/Graphics: Marilie Loubser

Theart continues that while the KKNK was not able to welcome festival-goers to Oudtshoorn this year, it will still bring the spirit of the festival into the homes of their audiences. “Music lovers, young and old, are in for a treat with the exclusive performances we have lined up. A variety of music genres, from rock to country, is included and promised quality entertainment for the entire family,” he says.

The Mothership Sessions shows are recorded in the studio of Karen Zoid. “Nothing will ever replace a live concert in a stadium, an arena or in a theatre, but the lockdown has made us reevaluate how we look at things. And this is not necessarily a bad thing - it’s just different. In all likelihood, live shows will not be able to be presented anytime soon, but that won’t keep us from making music for our people. Escape is necessary for survival and, for this reason, my colleagues and I want people to sit back and forget about this pandemic that is dominating our thoughts,” says Zoid.

© Jacqui van Staden/Graphics: Marilie Loubser

Elandré will kick off the first Mothership Sessions series on Thursday, 30 July. Born and raised in Despatch in the Eastern Cape, he has stolen the hearts of South Africans with his distinctively deep voice and his debut album Kleindorp-dromer. With his five-piece orchestra, Elandré will set screens on fire.

“Even though we are not able to get together in theatres, quality music concerts will always result in goosebump moments. Just think of the legendary music recordings by Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney and Elton John, to name a few, that are enjoyed and remembered decades later. That is the aim of the KKNK Mothership Sessions series,” says Carien Loubser, producer of this music series. “I value quality programming with exceptional technical editing and high production value above all else and this is why our music series will comfortably sit amongst any top television music programme. Our hope is that in time, we will be able to include all artists who make up the South African music landscape, in the Mothership Sessions series,” Loubser concludes.

Other performances in this series to look forward to include Emo Adams Unplugged on Thursday, 6 August. In this exceptional experience with a four-piece band, including piano, saxophone and guitar, Adams’ father, Omar, will also join him for a song or two.

© Jacqui van Staden/Graphics: Marilie Loubser

A very special performance is presented by Karen Zoid on her birthday, Monday, 10 August. Zoid is accompanied by her band, as well as Theo Crous, lead guitarist of the legendary Springbok Nude Girls.

South Africa’s top indie rock band, Watershed (Thursday, 20 August) is one of South Africa’s most popular export products. Their performance promises great live music, including some of their iconic songs.

The Afrikaans songwriter Jan Blohm (Thursday, 27 August) is performing the show of a lifetime: captivating, raw and honest, just like his music.

Elvis Blue can be seen on Thursday, 3 September in a soulful show that includes some of his most popular songs such as "Die Hemel", "Jou Huis", "Toe ons Jonk Was" and "Lighthouse".

On Thursday, 10 September Anna Davel takes us on a journey with acoustic piano, sax and vocal arrangements with melodies that have captivated us for decades. The show will include some of her own songs, as well as songs by some of the greatest legends of our time.

Emerging star Roan Ash (Thursday, 17 September) combines folk music, blues, country and rock with his soothing melodies and lyrics. His platinum album, Whiskey to My Soul, was nominated for a Sama in the category Best Adult Contemporary Album.

On Thursday, 24 September, Eet Kreef! brings the first series of Mothership Sessions to a crescendoing close. This iconic album by Johannes Kerkorrel and the Gereformeerde Blues Band is celebrated 30 years after it was originally released. With aKING lead singer Laudo Liebenberg, a hot band and new arrangements of iconic songs such as "Energy", "Hillbrow", "Hoe ek voel" and all the hits that made the original record a cult hit, this show promises many a goosebump moment.

Shows are broadcast online every Thursday evening and will be available for viewing until that Sunday, with Karen Zoid’s show broadcast on Monday, 10 August. Music lovers from across the globe can tune in to enjoy the Mothership Sessions series in high definition.

Tickets are sold at R150 - for the entire family to enjoy together - and are available on www.webtickets.co.za, where the shows can also be watched on a very user-friendly platform.

Donations toward the Tribuo Fund can be made with the purchase of any Mothership Sessions tickets. This fund was created to support those involved in the performing arts during the Covid-19 pandemic. More information is available on www.kknk.co.za.