It was all roads to Carnival City last week Friday as thousands flocked to the Big Top Arena in anticipation of the first show of Lira's Nokia Captured Concert.
The electric atmosphere was evident even in the parking lot as young and old braved the relentless winds that were blowing that evening, the excitement that people had on their faces told one united story. The story of a multitude of people from far off places converging in Brakpan for the unforgettable experience that is seeing Lira perform. However, the walk from the car to the casino entrance was also quite unforgettable, it was brutally cold as if Winter had suddenly decided to return to Gauteng. I didn't have a jacket on so I was shivering and frozen to the bone but i could see old ladies marching defiantly through that cold with a look of determination on their faces.
This being my first time at the Carnival City it was pleasing to find the Big Top Arena was not a difficult task as i had anticipated and felt very much at ease amongst the throngs of the loyal fans that this songstress has. The concert started a bit later than scheduled but this didn't seem to daunt anyone as people were mingling and enjoying the company. It was a welcome surprise to find drinks at reasonable prices, although it was disappointing that they didn't serve any spirits at the concert bar. This wasn't too much of a problem since there was another bar opposite the computicket nearby.
Once inside the Arena, the sheer size of the venue and the number of people inside it was breath-taking! The electric atmosphere from earlier was more evident and the crowd was alive with a buzz that felt so tangible. Lira came on stage and it was like time had stopped for a moment, even over the cheering of the crowd was the deafening silence of anticipation as we waited for her first note. Her voice sounded and we were all transported to a wonderland created by this multi-talented artist.
Her music sounded even more amazing than it does on CD, with her performing remixes and retellings of some of her most loved classics. Each song that she performed she did so with such a personal touch that it left one wondering whether all of her songs were based on her experiences. She drifted effortlessly from song to song charting a journey that took us through joy, pain, sadness, hope, gratuity, prayer and love amongst other themes. Each track had its own message and central theme, however the way they were woven together combined with the narrative she gave told a bigger story. The experience was further enhanced when she brought out musical legend RJ Benjamin and they performed a rendition of his song Change The World that many will surely remember for a long time, their duet had even the stiffest in the audience jumping up and down in excitement! She took us back when she paid tribute to Mirriam Makeba and Sade to yet another standing ovation. It blew my mind how she had managed to break down barriers and bring together people from such diverse backgrounds together in dancing to the beat of her songs. For me that realisation helped me see that this one human being is a bigger nation builder than most of us give her credit for. The choreography of the show was well timed and exceptionally carried out, with wardrobe transitions taking place almost imperceptibly. She danced, she laughed, she thrilled, she sang and she did it all with that famous Lira smile.
My overall experience exceeded my expectations, with Lira delivering a stellar performance. After seeing her perform there can never be any doubt that she truly deserves all the accolades that she has been given. This shows was a start to a national tour that will see her performing at 6 venues across South Africa and it was so outstanding that I'm absolutely certain anyone who was present would love to see all the other shows that are part of this tour!
The Captured Tour was an appropriate name to choose, as she has captured my imagination and has gained herself a fan.
