By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Whitney Houston’s legendary 1994 performance in South Africa, held shortly after Nelson Mandela’s historic election, is set to grace theater screens this fall. The concert, now fully remastered, will be showcased in a theatrical release titled “The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban),” as announced by Houston’s estate, Sony Music Entertainment, and Trafalgar Releasing.
The limited theatrical screening is scheduled for October 23 and will feature the previously unreleased show from Durban, South Africa. Following this, a new live album, “The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban),” is slated for release on November 8.
Pat Houston, the singer’s sister-in-law and estate executor, and an executive producer of the concert film, expressed excitement about the release: “She loved South Africa; she loved the people, and she loved Nelson Mandela. This concert stands as one of the most significant of her career. On this momentous 30th anniversary, we’re thrilled to share it with her fans and the people of South Africa, including its new generation.”
In 1994, Houston performed three concerts across South Africa, including Durban’s Kings Park Stadium, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. These performances marked a celebratory time in a newly unified post-apartheid nation and were attended by over 200,000 people. Proceeds from the concerts supported local South African children’s charities through Houston’s foundation.
The film will feature Houston’s performance remastered in 4K video and enhanced audio, and will be screened in nearly 900 cinemas across more than 25 countries.
Rickey Minor, Houston’s musical director for 25 years and a three-time Emmy winner, reflected on the experience: “It was my first time in South Africa, and I don’t think I was truly prepared for how this trip would change me forever. The energy was electric, and the audience was incredible, as we celebrated the end of apartheid. Whitney shared her love and shined her light.”
Earlier that year, Houston won three Grammys, including Album of the Year for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, and Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the iconic hit “I Will Always Love You.” Throughout her 25-year career, she sold over 200 million records worldwide and garnered six Grammys, 16 Billboard Music Awards, and two Emmys before her passing in 2012.
The upcoming live album will feature some of Houston’s greatest hits, including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” and “Greatest Love of All,” along with an unreleased track, “Love Is.”
Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, highlighted the enduring significance of the performance: “The message of hope and unity from the Durban concert remains as powerful today as it was 30 years ago. Fans will be amazed by the impact of this film on the big screen.”
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