MBOMBELA – Nataniël is one of a kind – love him or dislike him, once you have seen one of his shows you will never forget him. With yet another sold-out show at Hoërskool Bergvlam, those who recently attended will testify to that.
When Riaan Loubser, current principal
of Unigrad College, arrived in Mbombela
11 years ago he thought it would be great idea to bring an out-of-the-ordinary entertainer to the beautiful Lowveld, and 10 shows later, Nataniël, renowned South African singer-songwriter and entertainer, is now more popular than ever.
His performance was truly one to remember, not just because of his quirky sense of humour, but also due to 2016 marking his 33rd year as an artist. Prior to the tarting of the show, Loubser announced that Nataniël’s 2015 performance, After Animals in Johannesburg had received 11 Naledi nominations for which the crowd cheered loudly in appreciation. The Naledi Awards are the local equivalent of the American Tony Awards for theatre.
From the moment the hall lights dimmed and Nataniël stepped into the spotlight, the audience was spellbound and people cheered and laughed with delight. As usual, the artist was in top form. He was joined on stage by his pianist Dr Charl du Plessis. Charl is a highly respected performer in his own right and this year alone he has had many shows abroad. Charl is the youngest Steinway-accredited pianist in the world. Together Nataniël and Charl create something captivating on stage.
Many people commented that his shows get better year after year. The 80-minute performance consisted of music and stories told in true Nataniël style. His unique sense of humour and quirky sayings had the audience in stitches. Stories about the names parents give their children to beauty pageants, his dislike of driving, his face made from Turkish delight and his affection for his brother, are as colourful and risqué as his costumes are bold and shiny.
It is obvious that he is a seasoned showman who understands his audience. He pushes the envelope, but stays just clear from overstepping boundaries. The narration of his stories and detailed descriptions of people conjure up vivid images sucking a person into his world, which one often mistaken to be real.
Audiences will not forget about the child nicknamed Kol or seeing Nataniël chase after his brother with a hosepipe, not to mention an Eskimo opera singer, or what goes on behind a white sheet at a “plattelandse” beauty pageant called “Mej Bergwater”.
Many people who saw him live for the first time could not believe that he has such a powerful voice. Most of the songs he sang were written and arranged by himself. Based on audience members’ reaction, they thoroughly enjoyed the blues songs from his album Mood Swing.
At the end of the show the audience’s loud applause had him return to the stage for an encore. During the encore he admitted his love for country gospel music.
He concluded with a song form one of his favourite bands, the Gaither Vocal Band, called “Not gonna worry”.
Also read: Nataniël weer ‘n treffer
