‘The Gathering’: A promising new variety show

In a world where all-men line-ups are as typical as unequal pay for equal work, only God knows why ‘The Gathering’ would opt to start a show honouring International Women’s Day with performances by two men not commenting on the privileges of patriarchy and what men are tasked with doing about it.

Beginning tone-deaf, odd and with two of the most lacklustre performances of an evening billed as featuring an all-female cast at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre last Friday, Windhoek’s newest variety show ushered in the poetic unprepared and underwhelming before getting to the excitement of the evening.

Enter Mel Mwevi on point and oozing allure. There to celebrate the women who make her dance, take her home on difficult nights or simply inspire through their “red mystery” or “52 years of perfecting glow”, Mwevi was mesmerising with regard to turn of phrase, sheer talent and quirky bursts into song.

A little nervous, faltering but endearing in her vulnerability was the diminutive Lucy Soabes who took the stage blindfolded and baring soul. Accompanied by artist Sue Beukes live-painting a topless Melodia Dreyer, Soabes recounted the trauma of not being born a boy.

A sobering prelude to a stirring solo by Harriet Tjipueja who joined the evening’s wealth of songstresses including a solid Sophia Hambuda, sexy and soulful C-Star (Chantal Kambrude), charming Alexandra Schroeder and powerful Nasim Tekie as the surprise guest, ‘The Gathering’s’ song segments also featured Dean-Noah Gariseb presenting a worthy cover of Maxwell’s ‘Pretty Wings’.

Somewhat rambling in a revenge monologue by Nahenda Matheus whose personality did much to forgive a performance short on both substance and style, the genre was unsurprisingly best presented by special guest Lize Ehlers who honoured her sisters within a humorous and moving ode to her mother Catherine’s large body and even bigger heart.

Hosted by model Varaa Hambira who joins the ironic ranks of myriad local MCs who’ll tell you how revered Ehlers is before completely butchering her first name, young Hambira kept it moving, elegant and a little personal while building what is bound to be a diverse and enthusing brand.

Not to be downplayed or forgotten, the show also featured the completely exciting stylings of rapper Ryley (Kate-Lynne Beukes) and VUMT (Vivien Böhmer, Ute Hoabes, Maggie Masango and Toivo Paulus) who killed it in terms of stage presence and skill. Rapping up a pint-sized storm, Ryley was singular in her interruption of a notoriously male industry while VUMT wowed the crowd with their ‘Ave Maria’ and pop hit mash-up.

With an excellent Miss H doing the female Lord’s work as the accompaniment for various acts, the show ground to a happy halt with a musical rendition of Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’ before calling for a “yeah!” in support of such pressing issues as equal pay and the appreciation of small-breasted women.

Affirming, crowd-rousing and a whole lot of fun, ‘The Gathering’ – founded and directed by Ashwyn Mberi with assistant direction by Anne Hambuda – is Windhoek stretching its creative muscles in a way that asks artists to fly rather than simply learn the monthly format and fit in. (Cough, cough, cough!)

Don’t miss this promising new stage in a city gasping for great new talent. The variety is a boon, the quality is in need of minor control but the women winning, open-air and night sky twinkling rendered this installment a show blessed by the gods.

The next episode of ‘The Gathering’ will take place on 5 April. Follow @thegatheringnam on their social media pages for audition details and show information.

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