New Montecasino show celebrating Ndlovu Youth Choir to create employment in the arts

This show is made possible through funding granted by the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) under the auspices of the National Arts Council. Over 150 people within the arts industry will be employed in the production and staging of this show. From the front of house staff to cleaners, crews and the creative team, this show injects lifeblood into the struggling arts and culture sector.

The live entertainment industry is one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 epidemic and resulting lockdown regulations. Losses to this industry over the last year are enormous and this production is assisting contract workers, freelance workers and suppliers. “While providing much-needed employment opportunities at the start of 2021, our long-term plan is to utilise the opportunity created through this grant to further add job creation by developing a show that could eventually tour locally and internationally, once touring opens up,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management.

The storyline is inspired by the spirit of the Limpopo-based Ndlovu Youth Choir, whose talents, under the direction of Ralf Schmitt, rose to international fame in 2020 when this group of unknown South African vocalists reached the finals of  America’s Got Talent season 14. African Pulse is a story of resilience, courage and the determination of a young group of South Africans who come together with a burning desire to become a recognised and successful choir. Although they have no idea what the future may or may not hold, especially in often adverse circumstances, their ongoing passion and ambition drive them, making them stronger and more determined to reach their goal. Their stars are aligned with the pulse of the universe, ensuring that they shine no matter what. Their destiny to become a world-renowned choir is inevitable. This remarkable story is told through song and dance using the choir’s existing repertoire and its most successful hits including “Africa”, “Jolene”, “Shallow/Enxwemeni”, “Shape of You” and “Higher Love” also featuring their newest and original compositions like “Hold On”, “Ungandibulali” and “We Will Rise”.

The multi-talented creative team of Matthew Counihan (director), Ralf Schmitt (musical director), Lesedi Job (scriptwriter and associate director), Alistair Kilbee (technical director, gear house split-beam), Oliver Hauser (lighting designer), Sandra Dyer (choreographer), Thabang Sekele (assistant choreographer), Fried Wilsenach (sound designer) and Warren Le Grange (content director) bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the show. This team of highly experienced industry specialists brings a new set of performance skills to the Ndlovu Youth Choir that takes the choir on stage for the first time at Montecasino’s Teatro.

Bookings can be made at www.showtime.co.za