Song Night heading to TV

For the past three years, Song Night has been the platform from which the amateur and the ascending have had the opportunity to sing their hearts out, backed by a live band and an enthusiastic audience while emerging from under the wing of singing sensation, Lize Ehlers.

Though the show has faced some issues in terms of format and declining attendance, tomorrow night Song Night is back and vows to be subtler, better and much braver than before.

Determined to do away with a big band that buoys less than perfect vocals, Song Night will return as a more intimate affair with ‘Lyrics Library’. An understated and elegant show that will feature the talents of Sophia Fellner, Tania Ott, Shiro, ShaniQue, Qualee and Truscto Star Performer winners, Vocal Dynamix.

“Tomorrow night we will be celebrating lyrics. As much as it is about the music, we will focus on the array of words and lyrics that make the music so powerful,” says Lize.

“This year we are focusing on bringing the personality and vocals out of the singers and making it less of an over the top yet depthless show, but more of a sharing session among friends who want to listen.”

While Song Night remains the only development platform creating opportunities and exposure for amateur singers, an exciting extra is Song Night teaming up with Taramo Live and One Africa television to bring these singers to our sitting rooms.

The Song Night television show is scheduled to be aired in March or April depending on finalisations of sponsors and logistics. The first show will be filmed tomorrow night and form part of a weekly broadcast of Song Night for the entire Namibia to enjoy.

With regard to Song Night’s sacred aim, Lize believes it is education.

“We aim to enhance the experience of the amateur singer, we aim to push more vocalists to educate themselves in music and we are constantly offering advice about institutions offering vocal and musical training. SN aims to go outside of Windhoek to expose and educate outside the capital,” says Lize.

“However, it still remains a grassroots level platform and is only the beginning point for singers and definitely not the end. It offers exposure for amateur singers who want the experience of singing on a loved stage in a busy venue. There is nothing and none that can take education and experience away from you.”

As for the exposure on television, Lize hopes that it will mean a full venue which will enhance the experience of the singers.

“We aim to make Song Nighters understand that you need to continuously work at your craft, create a following of fans and supporters that will come to your shows, “ says Lize.

“Beyonce gets paid millions because Beyonce pulls millions into her shows. We aim to make singers understand that you need to create a loyal following in order to be successful. The truth is, a business is nothing without clients. And for singers, the clients are the audience. Many past SN singers are now successfully singing part time professionally earning extra money with music, and we want more of that result.”

If the show is going to be televised, the cheapskates are probably wondering why we should still pay to see it live. “Because there is nothing like being right at the apron of the show and hearing the heartbeat of the performer,” says Lize.

“Come and be part of the crowd that supports people with creative dreams. In this country where anyone can be anything overnight, it is important to support the causes that chisel with time and in experience and education and not just backtracking lip-syncing over night sensations that can shake a bum or two. SN has made many mistakes, but we learn and we know that Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Song Night’s ‘Lyrics Library’ will take place at 20h00 at The Warehouse Theatre. The show is hosted by Mercedez von Cloete and tickets cost N$40 at the door. One Africa Television will be filming so dress to impress.

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