THERE’S no denying there’s a very strong market for Afrikaans music in South Africa but one wouldn’t necessarily think Durban would have its followers. Well, the Barnyard Theatre proved everyone wrong when they hosted Steve Hofmeyr – which was a huge success – and now they bring you two once-off shows with Jack Parrow and Chris Chameleon. On Friday, Afrikaans rapper, Parrow, will grace the Barnyard stage, followed by Chameleon on Monday.
Parrow, who will perform at the theatre in Gateway for the first time, launched his third studio album Nag Van Die Lang Pette in February. Then, there’s multi-award winning musician, Chameleon, who brings his show, Drie Vriende to the venue.
Here, audiences can get a sense of the many talents of the artist. Besides his own unique presentation of music and stories, he will be joined by poet, Daniella Deysel. Afrikaans pop singer, Sarel Fourie will also make an appearance in Chameleon’s show.
Kim Davidson, PR & Events specialist at Catalyst for The Barnyard, Gateway, shared her views on bringing Afrikaans acts to the theatre: “We were reluctant to stage Afrikaans shows for 11 years. Because Durban is not an Afrikaans area. But we showed Steve Hofmeyr which sold out. So we realised there are Afrikaans people in Durban. Although the market is smaller, there are people who want to watch these entertainers.” As a regular at the Barnyard Theatre, I’ve noticed the venue is always filled out with a good crowd even on a Monday evening. Davidson reveals: “The reason we do a Monday show is because Tuesdays to Sundays are for Barnyard productions. All Barnyard shows are contracted to six days a week, so Monday and Sunday are the only nights we have.
“But the response is always good. And the once-off shows are specialised, they’re more for a niche market. The theatre is so accessible to people.
“It’s a safe environment and people can come in their shorts and T-shirts and it’s comfortable. You can bang your beer bottles on the table and not feel intimated by the environment. Also, people have seats and the threatre’s a nice intimate scene.”
As for Parrow and Chameleon, Davidson says: “Jack Parow is interesting. The audience is younger. It’s not a usual Barnyard crowd. But we know Parow is going to put everything out there. And he’s playing guitar. Chris is very charismatic and that show will be something more refined.”
• Catch Jack Parow on Friday at The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway. Tickets R180pp. On Monday, Chris Chameleon will perform. Tickets cost R120 a person. To book call 031 566 3045 or visit www.barnyard theatres.co.za