Meet the artists of ArtsUnite

FOLLOWING a successful event in May, ArtsUnite has returned to Roxy Revue Bar at GrandWest. The art show, which started on October 13, will continue until November 27 with live performances from well-known artists and new talent.

“This project has organically taken life and added to the need for artists to work and showcase their talent on a stage. The next two months see popular artists from the first run, but also fresh new talent yearning to have their voices heard and to be celebrated”, says Bridgette Brukman.

Here’s a breakdown of the artists who will be performing.

Until October 23 Gemma Fassie

Fassie was the first artist to perform this week. The singer, who has released her debut contemporary R&B project After Hours, has been singing since she was 6 years old. She used to perform at local fashion shows.

Friday and Saturday, October 22 and 23

Salome Johansen

Johansen will be performing tonight and on Saturday. The Mitchells Plain diva has been influenced by international club divas Sybil and Robin S – she grew up listening to them.

Wednesday, October 27 Nur Abrahams

The singer who has launched his second solo production, It’s My Time, has embarked on a new journey to showcase his vocal talent. The award-winning artist has performed in District 6 The Musical, Vocal Is Lekka, Radio Classics, Slick Swing, Scrooge, Music Alla Kaap (sharing the stage with the late Zayn Adam and Percy Sledge), Vocal Mania, Divos, Remembering the Lux, Kaapse Jol and I am Music.

Friday, October 29 Craig Lucas

After winning the second season of The Voice South Africa in 2017, Lucas never looked back. In the same year, he released his debut album Restless, which received a Sama nomination in 2018 for Best Pop Album.

Saturday, October 30 Fagrie Isaacs

Isaacs’ career started when he was spotted as one of the best singers in a choir at Strandfontein Primary. He rose to fame when he became the lead singer of The Boys, arguably Cape Town’s first boy band. His musical influencers are Boys2Men and the Manhattans.

Wednesday, November 3 Seth Grey

The Somerset West singer grew up in a musical home and received training to master his talent. Since graduating from the Cape Music Institute in 2018, he has worked on many live productions as a backing vocalist for local artists such as Craig Lucas and Jimmy Nevis and, most recently, international artist Tevin Campbell on his Southern African tour.

Friday, November 5 Maxine Wild

The make-up artist is famous as one of Cape Town’s finest cabaret/drag performers. Her title as Miss Gay Western Cape has brought her great exposure and experience, and she is the first transgender female to represent the organisation.

Saturday, November 6 Vuvu Kumalo

Also known as the Queen of Disco, Kumalo loves paying tribute to her favourite disco divas, especially Tina Turner. “I’m a Tina Turner kinda girl. My shows are based around my crush on Tina Turner,” she says.

Wednesday, November 10

Jodi Fredericks

Jodi is a versatile singer and songwriter who dabbles between contemporary modern jazz and neo-soul. The UCT BMus Jazz Studies graduate has performed at the Green Market Square Free Concert as a member of the Allstar Band in 2014. She lead the Sekunjalo Edujazz Big Band in 2018 and backed DonVino Prins in 2019.

Friday, November 12 Madeegha Anders

Anders’ talent was discovered when she sang along to songs she heard on the radio as a child. She exhibited her talent in school concerts and the odd stage show on the Cape Flats. Today she runs events companies and has also started performing with her son, Ashur.

Saturday, November 13 Singer Elwira

Elwira had her first concert at the age of 14.

After completing her studies, she entered the Idols competition and made it to the top 9 finalists.

Wednesday, November 17

Craig Jordaan

He knew from the age of 4 that he wanted to be a singer. He had his first live audience performance in Grade 4, and in high school he joined the Echo Band. They did jazz festivals, the TV programme Hectic Nine-9, and participated in the popular High School

Jam competition, where he won

Best Male Vocalist in 2014 and 2016.

Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20

The PJ Twins, Peter and John, used music to escape gangsterism. Famous for their hit song Twinzpin, the twins use their influence to frequently host free concerts, and conduct education and anti-drug campaigns.

Wednesday, November 24 Candice Thornton

Her talent was recognised by her musician father at the age of 3. To nurture her talent, she studied vocals and music business at the Cape Music Institute. Thornton has performed at the Artscape Youth Jazz Festival in 2008 and won the Heart 104.9FM Open Mic Jazz Competition in 2012.

Friday, November 26

August West

West’s musical journey began in church. He has worked with talented artists such as David Kramer, Emo Adams, Loukmaan Adams, Youngsta, Early B, Jonathan Rubain,

Zane

Meas, Theodore Jantjies, June van Merch, Marc Lottering, Tarryn Lamb and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Saturday, November 27 Robin Pieters

Pieters is known for working with famous artists locally and internationally. He’s performed on big stages with international stars such as Tevin Campbell, Tamia, Robin S, Cece Peniston, Sybil, Peaches & Herb and All 4 One. Locally, he has performed alongside Lira, Kurt Darren, Loyiso Bala, AKA, Black Coffee and Emo Adamsamong many others.

Email bridgette@brukman.co.za for tickets. Tickets cost R150.