SOUTH AFRICA: SINGER LUTHER VANDEROSS GIVES SERIES OF SOUTH AFRICAN CONCERTS

Record ID: 387811

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: SINGER LUTHER VANDEROSS GIVES SERIES OF SOUTH AFRICAN CONCERTS
  • Date: 25th September 1998
  • Summary: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 30 1998)(RTV) (PERFORMANCE CLEARANCES REQUIRED BEFORE REUSE) VARIOUS OF CONCERT AT GREEN POINT STADIUM. TWO SONGS PERFORMED: "NEVER TOO MUCH" AND "I CAN MAKE IT BETTER" (ENGLISH)
  • Embargoed: 10th October 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVADNIH4G750R5FAM5314QQ358ZP
  • Story Text: Grammy Award-winning superstar Luther Vandross jetted into South Africa recently for a whirlwind series of concerts around the country.It was his first visit to the country - and gave one of his keenest South African fans the opportunity to fulfil one of her dreams.
    Vandross, who says that being a singer and an entertainer is all he's ever wanted to do since he was a child, staged three concerts in South Africa...in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
    Speaking at a press conference shortly after his arrival Vandross said his early career was boosted by the support of David Bowie.
    He also told the news conference that there was more to performing in South Africa than simply filling the audiences with a good feeling.
    He said: "I wanted to come down and show that we do not ignore South African listeners and audiences.I think it's very important to include this visit with anything else that I'm doing."
    Enthusiastic fans gathered early at the Cape Town Green Point Stadium to secure the best positions on the field to watch the master of pop and R&B.
    Vandross wowed the audience with his melifluous voice and his glittering backup singers sizzled on stage.He started off the concert with the hit song "Never Too Much" from his debut solo album.Released in 1981, this album began more than a decade of chart-topping albums and hit singles - all produced, written and arranged by himself.
    Amongst the thousands gathered in the chilly spring evening air, was one woman in particular who can call herself his number one South African fan.
    Esther September began calling Peter Stuyvesant Music Spectaculars daily the moment she heard that the object of her admiration was coming to South Africa.Determined to meet him and express her utter devotion, Esther wrote a letter to Luther and begged the promotions people to give it to him.
    Waiting eagerly at Cape Town International Airport for his arrival earlier this week, Esther and her husband couldn't believe it when they were told that her letter had been given to him - and that she would have an opportunity to speak to him.
    For the twenty-eight year old who has been a fan since she was a young girl of 11, it was a dream come true.
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