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South Africa had many visitors this year, but unfortunately not everyone can make the performances of the year category, especially when we have local entries that shone brightly too. This year we’re looking at performances across the arts and culture spectrum, from hip-hop to ballet to musicals. Our top five is as follows:
5. The Nutcracker at Joburg Theatre
Local dance companies consistently put out really good work, unfortunately theirs is an art that doesn’t fill arenas like rap or pop do. Joburg Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker was inspired, with clean execution and a vibrant cast gracefully bringing Tchaikovsky’s momentous score to life.
4. Matilda at The Teatro
I can’t even believe I’m putting a musical on this list right now. They really followed the book closely and added some pretty cool tricks that I still can’t figure out. Three little girls portray Matilda and all of them kill it, not to mention the ornery Miss Trunchbull, played by Ryan De Villiers, who loses himself completely.
3. 6lack at In The City
The urban crooner was someone I was a little uncertain of. Atlanta has become a hotbed for trap artists, the last singer of note from there was Usher. 6lack – pronounced “black” – provides a fusion of R&B with trap, which make for emotive tracks. He performed at a venue by the Johannesburg Stadium and he did the damn things.
2. Swizz Beats at the Bacardi House Party
The Bacardi House Party, which was my favourite event of the year, was held at a country-style manor with a pool and massive well-manicured grounds. Swizz freaked it doing a host of his hits, which the crowd lapped up. This guy will give you your money’s worth. It’s show time!
1. Cassper Nyovest and The Carters at the Global Citizen Festival
Yo, I wasn’t invited to this because the kid has PR firms shook, but that’s neither here nor there. Cassper Nyovest had the crowd jumping and proved what a professional African artist looks like, while Bey and Hov didn’t pull up to play games. They thought of everything, from locally designed outfits to shots of Joburg in their background. Besides the disgusting crime after the show, this set has definitely elevated the standard of visiting acts. Coming out with a deejay and hypeman just won’t cut it any more.
. Special mentions go to Erykah Badu at the DStv Delicious Festival, as well as Vince Staples at the Capsule Festival. Their sets were marred by sound issues, but we’re happy they came.
