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Bebe Winans hits SA before retiring

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BeBe Winans says this might be his last tour to South Africa. Picture: Derek Blanks
BeBe Winans says this might be his last tour to South Africa. Picture: Derek Blanks

Beloved Christian crossover artist BeBe Winans is returning to South Africa for a two-city tour in Johannesburg and Durban.

Winans told City Press in a telephone interview earlier this week that when he first visited – he couldn’t remember when – it was a moment for him.

“I can’t describe it, but my feelings were in tune from head to toe.

“It has been a beautiful experience every time and it has everything to do with the rhythm of the people. It’s my home.”

The six-time Grammy Award winner, who is more passionate about writing than singing, said this tour would be his last visit to the country – unless he can convince his sister, gospel singer CeCe Winans, to return with him.

“BeBe is getting ready to retire from singing on the road. This is probably my last time coming to South Africa.

“There’s a possibility that I might come back with CeCe in two years – I don’t know. But that [travelling with his sister] would be the only thing that could get me back on a plane. I am old,” the 57-year-old said.

“When you’re younger you have the energy to endure the hardships of the road. It’s not easy.”

After 10 years working behind the scenes on projects, such as serving as a former executive music producer for the OWN Network’s latest scripted series, Greenleaf, BeBe came back with a new album – his first solo album in nearly 10 years – Need You. He recently won the NAACP Theatre Award for best playwright for his musical, Born for this Broadway.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in South Africa, even when I wasn’t performing. It’s one of my favourite places to come whether performing or not. It has been about six years since I was last in South Africa, so I am really looking forward to this visit,” Winans said.

The six-time Grammy Award winner, who is more passionate about writing than singing, said this tour would be his last visit to the country – unless he can convince his sister, gospel singer CeCe Winans, to return with him.

As a solo artist, BeBe has released eight albums, with guest appearances by friends as diverse as Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, David Foster and Anita Baker.

He is known for his jaw-dropping performances on some of the most star-studded musical specials in past decades.

He said local fans can look forward to experiencing some of his best-known hits which cemented his status as a legendary artist worldwide.

“They should not come if they don’t want to have a good time. I’m bringing Margaret Bell with me and my baby sister Debbie, as well as other wonderful singers and musicians. There are new songs and old ones that I wouldn’t come to South Africa and not sing. I would be in trouble. It will be an array of songs of joy and laughter.”

TOUR INFO:

Johannesburg: Friday March 20 at the Ticketpro Dome

Durban: Saturday March 21 at the Durban ICC

Tickets are available at ticketpros.co.za


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