Music theatre: Acapella Street Corner’s stirring African Song Book with rousing finale of Pata Pata

Music theatre: Acapella Street Corner’s stirring African Song Book with rousing finale of Pata Pata- Bronze Standard  Bank Ovation award at 2021 National Arts Festival’s Fringe

Acapella Street Corner is an exquisite showcase of iconic songs from the African Song Book, with the rousing finale of Miriam Makeba’s Pata. The show won a Bronze Standard Bank Ovation award at 2021 National Arts Festival’s Fringe. When introducing each song, s director, Saxola (Sax) Ketshengane says: “Enjoy”.  I enjoyed the show, immensely. The show is available online, until August 31. The dapper Ketshengane is also part of the ensemble.

I have to admit that I have a musical theatre crush on Saxola (Sax) Ketshengane. I was blown away by his Ovation Award Winning, A Long Story Short – which I watched three times. Acapella Street Corner also, left me wanting more. Each song is almost like a bonsai piece of musical theatre. It is not just a bunch of a Capella singers, swaying to the music. Choreography is rendered as gesture -using movement to heighten the music. The arrangements are multi-layered and the emotion by the group is visceral. Watch as Ketshengane introduces the last song: “The last song we are going to sing for you is Pata Pata by Mama Miriam Makeba. I hope you enjoy.” Then he steps back and joins the group. It is a magical rendition of the iconic Pata Pata and evokes the legendary Mama Miriam Makeba and her remarkable life. Do not miss this show.

❇ Related coverage. Link to review of A Long Story Short : https://thecaperobyn.co.za/musical-theatre-singing-a-delicious-tale-of-love-in-ovation-award-winning-a-long-story-short/