THEY say one of the best ways to experience life is to experience different cultures. So, why not start by enjoying an authentic Latin experience in the form of delightful songs in the production, More than Nothing – A Latino Journey. Running at the Rhumbelow Theatre from Friday until Sunday, the show features the band, Mais Que Nada (MQN) who will embrace everything Latin.
Tonight chatted to pianist and vocalist, Nicole Couto-Leiteo (pictured) to learn more about the production: “We take people on a journey of discovery from distant lands, images of bronzed legs twirling in brightly patterned dresses, hearty laughter being shared around an outdoor cafe table to a place where life is carefree and lived to the fullest.”
MQN comprises Couto-Leiteo, Johan Van Der Merwe (timbales/percussion), Johnie Casquinha (guitar/vocals), John Skuy (bass guitar/vocals), Tony Fisher (mandolin /violin / vocals) and Richard Ellis (Percussion/congas /effects/vocals). Couto-Leiteo says the music comes from various parts of the globe such as Angola, Portugal and Mozambique.
“It shows the different influences of the regions and we wanted to make the whole integration a smooth cross-over, which transports the audience to places where wine is consumed under grape vines while domino and card games are played and where the old men of the Buena Vista Social Club reign supreme. There will be some story-telling and information passed on to the audience about the nature of the songs and where they originated. However, there are many well-know favourites as well that will need no introduction.”
With the show centering on all things Latin, I ask Couto-Leiteo if she feels this is something that would appeal to Durban audiences.
“Absolutely. There is not much of it around and we take it to another level completely, so the Durban audience is generally blown away by our performances, no doubt about that. It’s soulful, sexy and sassy, giving people the opportunity to leave their inhibitions at the door, grab a partner and salsa your socks off or just sit happily tapping their toes – all the old favourites are well known to most people who remember the good old days in Lourenco Marques and LM Radio – and it’s reminiscent of good food, old friends and even better wine.”
l The production runs at the Rhumbelow Theatre (Umbilo) from Friday to Sunday. Tickets are R120 and pensioners pay R100. For bookings, email [email protected]